Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Chief Editor
Published on 2024-04-13 03:19:34
The University of Zambia (UNZA) recently mourned the tragic loss of Margaret Chibesakunda, a 22-year-old third-year Business Administration student who lost her life in a shocking incident. The university canceled all classes for a day to allow students to bid farewell to their fallen colleague. Chibesakunda’s untimely demise occurred on April 6th when she was electrocuted while trying to charge her phone in her dormitory room. The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, prompting the police to initiate an investigation. UNZA’s management has assured students of their safety as inquiries into the incident continue.
The university community gathered at Lusaka’s Cathedral of the Child Jesus to pay their respects to Chibesakunda. The funeral service and burial ceremony took place at Lusaka’s memorial park, evoking deep emotions among those in attendance. However, body-viewing was not permitted during the service.
The tragic incident has triggered an outpouring of grief within the UNZA community and beyond. Cheelo Katambo, the deputy media director of the ruling UPND, stressed the importance of UNZA’s management addressing the circumstances surrounding Chibesakunda’s death. Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba, the Patriotic Front Chairperson for Information and Publicity, criticized the state of infrastructure at the university, highlighting issues like poor hostel conditions, inadequate water and sanitation facilities, and unsafe electrical connections.
UNZA students have raised concerns about the safety of electrical connections on campus, warning of the potential for more tragedies if immediate action is not taken. They have demanded the dismissal of John Munkombwe, the Dean of Student Affairs, as they call for accountability and improvements to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The loss of Margaret Chibesakunda serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need to prioritize student safety and address infrastructure deficiencies within educational institutions. It has brought the UNZA community together in a shared mourning process, emphasizing the importance of enacting meaningful changes to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
UNZA students also took to the streets in solemn solidarity, marching to the funeral of Margaret Chibesakunda. The images captured the somber mood as the students paid their respects to their fallen peer.
As the university continues to grapple with the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all students. The calls for accountability and improvements to infrastructure have grown louder, echoing the sentiments of a community united in grief and seeking justice for Margaret Chibesakunda. The tragedy has left a lasting impact on the UNZA community, prompting reflection and action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Overall, the loss of Margaret Chibesakunda has sparked a movement for change within the UNZA community, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures and infrastructure upgrades to protect the well-being of all students. The legacy of Chibesakunda lives on as a catalyst for positive transformation and a renewed commitment to ensuring the welfare of students in educational institutions.
Read the original article on Lusaka Times
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