COPPERBELT Minister Elisha Matambo has given the police a 24-hour ultimatum to establish exactly what transpired during the gassing incident that saw over 200 pupils at Buyantanshi Technical school falling victims.

On Tuesday, the Police disclosed that they were investigating a report of suspected fumigation reported to have occurred at Buyantanshi Technical School (BUTECH) which affected about 136 pupils.

The Police described the condition of the victims as stable but stated that the total number of victims was expected to increase as some pupils were still being taken to Hospital from homes after leaving school.

But speaking in Chingola when he inspected Buyantanshi Technical School, Matambo said the police should within 24 hours ensure that Zambians had adequate information on what had transpired.

He said the police should have information leading to the culprits being brought to book.

Matambo warned that those behind the scourge had their days numbered.

He said he was aware that those involved were on a mission to tarnish the image of the new dawn government, but that through security wings, they would be met head-on.

Matambo said Zambians were itching to know those behind the scourge and assured that he had confidence in the men and women in uniform.

He added that Zambians would know the truth behind the gassing issue soon.

“We will not sit back and continue to entertain the lawlessness that was encouraged in the previous regime. Working with the police, we will face them head-on until they are exposed,” Matambo said.

Matambo said government sympathised with the victims of the incident and that security provision was top on its agenda.

He disclosed that out of the over 200 pupils that were hospitalised, only four were still admitted, further stating that the name of the chemical was yet to be established as samples had been sent to Lusaka.

Matambo said he was happy that security wings had intensified investigations in the matter and further assured Copperbelt residents that the new dawn government would not let them down.

Meanwhile, Chingola District Education Board Secretary, Noah Simulunga has described the development as a setback to the education sector in the district.