A tragic incident has shaken the community of Maamba Boarding High School as a Grade 12 pupil, identified as 18-year-old Pardon Jabalani from Nyanga Village in Senior Chief Mweemba Chiefdom, Sinazongwe District, Southern Province, passed away suddenly while preparing for class.
According to Southern Province Police Deputy Commissioner Moono Faula Namalongo, the heartbreaking event occurred early on the morning of January 21, 2025. The school’s headteacher, Felix Muyoba, aged 56, reported the incident to Maamba Police Station, stating that Pardon collapsed unexpectedly while running from the school dormitory to his classroom around 06:45 hours.
Eyewitnesses revealed that as the pupil approached the classroom door, he slipped and fell face down. His classmates immediately rushed to his aid, attempting to wake him, but he remained unresponsive. Alarmed by the situation, the school management promptly notified the police, who arrived at the scene to assess the situation and confirmed the death.
The body of the deceased was transported to Maamba Hospital Mortuary, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. Meanwhile, police have opened an inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
This sudden and untimely death has left the school community and the wider Sinazongwe District in shock and mourning. Teachers, students, and local leaders have expressed their condolences to the grieving family and called for patience as investigations continue.
Authorities are urging the public to await the results of the post-mortem and investigation before drawing conclusions. The incident serves as a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of swift action in emergency situations.
Counseling services have been made available at the school to support students and staff who have been deeply affected by the tragedy. Further updates on the inquiry and funeral arrangements will be provided as more information becomes available.
The family, school, and community now await answers as they come to terms with this unexpected and devastating loss.
By Helga Chibwe
