DRC SOLDIERS SHOOT DOWN ZAMBIAN SOLDIER, ANOTHER LEFT WOUNDED OVER MEALIE MEAL – MINISTER
STATEMENT ON THE SHOOTING INCIDENT BETWEEN ZAMBIA NATIONAL SERVICE (ZNS) SOLDIERS AND DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO SOLDIERS ON 01 DECEMBER 2024 IN KAWAMA AREA OF NDOLA
May I address the nation on the security incident that happened on 01 December 2024 in Kawama Area and specifically in Chichele Forest Reserve in Ndola, Copperbelt Province.
Between 10: 00 hours and 11: 00 hours there was an exchange of fire between Zambia National Service (ZNS) Soldiers and Soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after a misunderstanding ensued and unfortunately during the incident Zambia lost One (01) Soldier in action and another was wounded. The condition of the wounded Soldier is stable and currently under medical treatment at one of our Defence Force hospitals.
The incident happened when, ZNS Soldiers were on routine anti-smuggling patrol along Mabungo road within Kawama Area. During the patrol, they intercepted yet to be identified Zambian nationals who were attempting to smuggle mealie into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and confiscated the commodity.
The Smugglers managed to escape apprehension and ran into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where they reported to the Congolese soldiers deployed within their territory alleging that, zambian soldiers had crossed the border into DRC and confiscated their mealie meal. Based on the wrong information, Congolese soldiers mobilized and confronted the Zambian soldiers to release the mealie and also surrender their weapons.
It was at that point when exchange of fire occurred.
At this time, it is with a heavy heart that I confirm that, Staff Sergeant KAPUTA Corinthians sustained a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at Kalewa Garrison Hospital in Ndola while Staff Sergeant BANDA Jazz Joseph sustained a gunshot wound. May I on behalf the Republican President and Commander-In- Chief of the Defence Force of Zambia, Mr Hakainde HICHILEMA and the entire Defence Force of Zambia convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the late Staff Sergeant KAPUTA and further wish Staff Sergeant BANDA a quick recovery.
The Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Defence and Home Affairs and Internal Security will do everything possible to support the two (02) families.
In the meantime, the Government of the Republic of Zambia and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have
constituted a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to establish what could have transpired in order to avert such cases in future and currently the situation is calm. As a country, we are committed to ensuring peaceful resolution of disputes as we advance Economic Diplomacy through the promotion of regional and international peace.
Country Men and Women, may I take this opportunity to remind the general citizenry to remain patriotic and avoid being found on the wrong side of the law. We are aware of the lucrative prices that mealie meal trade attracts outside the borders and therefore, I urge everyone that wish to trade in mealie to do so within the stipulated regulations.
The Government will continue to effect measures aimed at ensuring the country is food secure. That includes the deployment of the Defence Force to curb the smuggling of the commodify.
Further updates will be provided and I urge everyone to remain calm as we address the situation. In the meantime, let us come together to support the victims and their families during this difficult time. Indeed, our sympathies and prayers are with the victims and their respective families.
May the Soul of the departed Colleague rest in eternal peace as we wish a quick recovery to the wounded.
END
Delivered by: Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma
Minister of Defence
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA
DRC SOLDIERS SHOOT DOWN ZAMBIAN SOLDIER, ANOTHER LEFT WOUNDED OVER MEALIE MEAL – MINISTER
