KASAMA PUPIL CUTS DREADLOCKS AFTER FATHER’S LEGAL CHALLENGE
THE Kasama Boys Secondary School pupil whose father sued the State for refusing to allow him to attend class with dreadlocks has cut the long hair.
This came to light in cross examination in a case the boy’s father filed a petition challenging the school administration’s decision not to allow his son to be in school with dreadlocks.
Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha submitted further that the outcome of the petition will have an effect on Zambia’s education system.
“The outcome of this petition will impact the whole education system in the country. We submit that public interest ranks above
individual rights,” he said.
“In any case, the petitioner has already cut his dreadlocks and is already in a public school as admitted in cross-examination when he confirmed that the minor is currently enrolled at Kasama Boys Secondary School.”
Mr Kabesha said the school has rules, and having accepted them, the 13-year-old cannot now set up defence that he has “a conscious objection on religious scruple against upholding school rules”.
On the contention that his keeping of dreadlocks is in line with his constitutional freedom of conscience, Mr Kabesha submitted that “the right to freedom of conscience and religion is subject to public interest”.
Nathan Mubanga was seeking an order to allow his son to attend school without cutting his dreadlocks.
Zambia Daily Mail
Home Court