An official of Dowa District Council has asked the council authorities to take punitive controls over a popular Chewa traditional cultural dance popularly known as Gulewamkulu which continue roaming about the boma trading center making school going pupils running up and down and disturbing business.

Daniel Chibwe, speaking at a District Executive Committee meeting held at Dowa Boma on Thursday claimed that in 2010 a speeding vehicle seriously injured a pupil of Dowa 2 Catholic Primary School while the other sustained minor injuries after falling in deep drain as they were running away from Gulewamkulu havocs.

“The Chewa custom has to be respected and protected. But I ask for stiffer punitive measures against this malpractice for safety of our pupils,” said Chibwe.

Chibwe also asked the council’s secretariat to control the increasing number of stray dogs at the Dowa District Hospital saying one day they will attack people.

Dowa Environmental District Officer, Yusufu Laki said he will take up the matter with the council’s relevant authorities and that he will respond in the next DEC meeting.

It was learnt at the meeting that the district has no licensed game ranger, trained and authorized to shoot stray dogs.