A Grade 6 pupil in Chipata has been taken to a place of safety after reportedly entering into a marriage following challenges in accessing books and other school requirements.
The 18-year-old pupil, identified as Monica Mwanza of Mtendere Section in the Luona area, is reported to have accepted a marriage proposal from 22-year-old John Mwale, who is also from the same area.
According to Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba, Mwanza, who attends Kamlaseni Community School, decided to accept Mwale’s proposal after reportedly becoming frustrated by her parents’ inability to provide the school requirements she needed.
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Police said the two subsequently held a marriage ceremony at the home of Mwale’s mother in Mtendere Section.
Following a report about the matter, police contacted Kamlaseni Community School to verify Mwanza’s age. The school records reportedly indicated that she was born on August 5, 2008.
Police subsequently contacted the parents of both Mwanza and Mwale and advised them to report to the Victim Support Unit together with the two individuals for counselling.
However, when officers went to the village to look for Mwale, he could not be found.
Mwanza was instead retrieved by police and taken to a place of safety under the Social Welfare Department for further assistance and support.
“The suspect was not found at the village. The victim was retrieved and taken to the place of safety under the social welfare office,” Mweemba stated.
The case has highlighted concerns around the challenges faced by children and learners from vulnerable households, particularly when a lack of basic school requirements contributes to them dropping out of school or becoming exposed to early marriage.
Education stakeholders and child-protection authorities have repeatedly stressed the importance of keeping children in school and addressing the social and economic circumstances that can place them at risk of exploitation or early marriage.
The circumstances surrounding Mwanza’s case are expected to be handled through the relevant authorities, including the police, Social Welfare Department and other child-protection structures.
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