The Zambian government has confirmed that Congolese soldiers were involved in Sunday’s exchange of gunfire with the Zambia National Service (ZNS) officers in Chichele Plantation, Kawama, Masaiti District.
The incident resulted in the tragic death of Staff Sergeant Corinthians Kaputa and injuries to Staff Sergeant Joseph Jazz Banda.
Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma announced that Staff Sergeant Kaputa sustained a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at Kalewa Garrison Hospital in Ndola.
Staff Sergeant Banda, who was also injured, is in stable condition and receiving medical care.
The gunfire exchange occurred during a routine ZNS anti-smuggling patrol on December 1.
The soldiers intercepted Zambian nationals attempting to smuggle mealie meal into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and confiscated the goods.
However, the smugglers evaded capture by fleeing into the DRC, where they reported to Congolese soldiers that Zambian troops had crossed the border and seized their mealie meal.
In response, Congolese soldiers confronted the ZNS team, demanding the release of the confiscated goods and surrender of their weapons. A violent altercation ensued, resulting in the casualties.
Minister Lufuma expressed his condolences to the family of the late Staff Sergeant Kaputa on behalf of President Hakainde Hichilema and the Defence Force.
He also extended wishes for a speedy recovery to Staff Sergeant Banda.
To prevent similar incidents, Zambia and the DRC have constituted a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to determine the details surrounding the event. The situation is reported to be calm.
The minister urged Zambians to abide by the law and refrain from engaging in smuggling activities, despite the lucrative nature of cross-border mealie meal trade.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to deploying security forces to curb smuggling and safeguard national food security.
The minister appealed to citizens to remain calm and support the victims and their families during this difficult time.
