Mentally challenged boy, 16, kills sister-in-law
By George Zulu
A MENTALLY challenged 16-year-old boy of Mandala Village in Chief Kafwimbi’s area of Isoka District has been arrested for killing his sister-in-law and injuring five other members of his family in a violent attack.
The incident happened on Thursday around 07:00 hours when the teenage suspect identified as Lazarus Sinkala suddenly turned violent and attacked his parents, Lighton Sinkala, 67, and Roster Nambela, 50, with an axe handle, leaving both with deep cuts on the head.
Police in Muchinga Province who are close to the investigations said the boy was arrested from Kazilamawe Village after a report was made.
After assaulting his parents, the juvenile proceeded to his older brother’s house about 500 meters away, where he found his sister-in-law, Roster Nakamba, 17, and three children, Josephant, 10, and twins Darren and Jopleen, 6, before striking Nakamba on her head.
“We have arrested a 16-year-old boy, a mental patient identified as Lazarus Sinkala after killing his sister-in-law and leaving about five people with deep cuts,” the officer close to the investigations said.
He said the boy struck Nakamba on the head, killing her instantly, before turning to the other three children, leaving them with serious injuries.
“When his elder [older] brother Steward Sinkala, 33, rushed home after hearing the screams, he found his wife laying on the ground with a deep cut on her head in a pool of blood and his children unconscious,” the police officer said.
He said the teenage suspect hit his brother, too, after he attempted to stop him.
“…the suspect turned to him, too, and hit him on the head with a wooden plank. All the victims were rushed to Isoka District Hospital where Roster Nakamba was pronounced dead on arrival,” the officer said.
He said all the victims were in a critical condition.
“…the assailant has been suffering from a mental disorder since January this year and has been receiving treatment at Isoka District Hospital,” the officer said.
