A 14-year-old boy of West Villa Compound in Mazabuka District, Southern Province, has been rescued by a passerby after allegedly being kidnapped by unknown individuals driving a black Toyota Noah without a number plate.
According to eyewitness Kebby Hachifuko, who was on his way to the hospital at the time, he noticed a suspicious vehicle dumping something in the bush along the path he was using. When he moved closer to check, he discovered a boy in a very weak condition.
Mr. Hachifuko told Diamond News that after he inquired about what had happened, the victim explained that the driver of the vehicle had asked him for help to push it. However, when he approached, he was allegedly forced into the vehicle, where several people were inside. The boy claimed that the suspects began draining his blood and putting it into a bottle.
Mr. Hachifuko said he immediately rushed the boy to Mazabuka General Hospital, where he was admitted to the emergency ward and received treatment. Medical staff later discovered that the boy had lost a significant amount of blood. He also confirmed that he saw the vehicle speeding away from the scene immediately after dumping the boy.
The victim, who was reportedly struggling to speak and walk at the time of the rescue but has since been discharged from the hospital, told Diamond News that once inside the vehicle, the suspects sat on him and forcibly drew blood from both his hands.
Meanwhile, Southern Province Police Commissioner Moono Namalongo said he has not received any official report regarding the matter from Mazabuka authorities.
By Helga Chibwe
