AN ELEVEN year-old boy has been admitted to hospital after he was nailed to a tree by 35-year-old Stanley Chinyama in Chisamba, Central Province.

The boy had his hands and feet nailed to a tree after his assailant tied him with a rope for allegedly stealing his catapults.

Central Province police chief Standwell Lungu, who confirmed the development, said the named boy was from Kapini area in Chisamba and that his condition was stable, though still in pain.

At the time the boy was found, he was unconscious and was only rescued by his parents who rushed to the scene after they were informed by a friend of the boy who witnessed the nailing, while hiding in a nearby bush.

Mr Lungu said the boy was earlier dragged to the nearby bush around 12.00 hours where Mr Chinyama tied him to the tree with a belt and started nailing him.

"It is shocking that in this time and age, someone could act in such a manner to a defenceless boy and as police we will continue ensuring that those involved in such acts face the law," Mr Lungu said.

The boy could not scream for help because the suspect had threatened to kill him but a friend of the boy who was watching from afar went to report to his parents who later rushed to the scene.

Police said at the time, the boy's parents were getting concerned that it was getting dark and the boy was not in any neighbouring homes.

Mr Lungu said the suspect has since been arrested and charged with unlawful wounding and would appear in court soon.

He said the boy had since been moved from Chipembi Clinic to Liteta Hospital where he was nursing the wounds from the piercing of the nails and he may be transferred to Kabwe General Hospital if his condition did not improve.

And police have charged and arrested a Kabwe man for allegedly murdering his wife whose body was found dumped near a house.