DRC soldiers kill Zambian soldier in shootout

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A ZAMBIA National Service (ZNS) soldier has lost his life after he was shot dead by soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC) on Sunday.

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Authorities revealed that the incident happened after an exchange of fire between the two group of soldiers ensued.

Speaking at a press briefing this morning, Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma confirmed the incident occurred on Sunday between 10 and 11:00 hours.

The deceased has been identified as Staff Sergeant Corinthians Kaputa who sustained a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at Kalewa Garrison Hospital in Ndola while his Zambian counterpart Staff Sergeant Joseph Banda sustained a gunshot wound and is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Lufuma said ZNS Soldiers were on routine anti smuggling patrol along Mabungo road within Kawama Area in Ndola.

During the patrol, the Zambian soldiers stopped unidentified individuals who were attempting to smuggle mealie into the DRC and confiscated the commodity.

Unfortunately, the smugglers slipped through the hands of the soldiers and ran into the 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 mobilised and confronted the Zambian soldiers to release the mealie meal and also surrender their weapons.

Lufuma said it was at that point when the fire exchange occurred and the killing happened.

“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,” stated Lufuma.

By Catherine Pule

Kalemba, December 3, 2024

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