Zambian authorities confirm death of soldier in DRC broder clash

The government has confirmed the death of a Zambia National Service (ZNS) Soldier after he was reportedly shot at during a fire exchange with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Soldiers in Ndola’s Chichele area.

Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma said the security incident happened on December,1, 2024 in Kawama Area and specifically in Chichele Forest Reserve in Ndola, Copperbelt Province.

Addressing a media briefing in Lusaka on Tuesday at the Ministry Headoffice, Lufuma said between 10: 00 hours and 11: 00 hours there was an exchange of fire between ZNS Soldiers and Soldiers from the DRC after a misunderstanding ensued.

Lungu stated that during the fire exchange, unfortunately Zambia lost one soldier in action and another was wounded.

He announced that the condition of the wounded Soldier was stable and currently under medical treatment at one of the Defence Force hospitals.

“The incident happened when, ZNS Soldiers were on routine anti-smuggling patrol along Mabungo road within Kawama Area,” Lufuma explained.

He said during the patrol, the ZNS Soldiers intercepted yet to be identified Zambian nationals who were attempting to smuggle mealie into the DRC and confiscated the commodity.

Lufuma said the smugglers managed to escape apprehension and ran into the DRC where they reported to the 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,” he stated.

Lufuma named the deceased as Staff Sergeant Corinthians Kaputa who sustained a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at Kalewa Garrison Hospital in Ndola while Staff Sergeant Joseph Banda sustained a gunshot wound.

He said the government through the Ministry of Defence and Home Affairs and Internal Security would do everything possible to support the two families.

“In the meantime, the Government of the Republic of Zambia and the Government of 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,” Lufuma said.

He assured of Zambia’s commitment to ensuring peaceful resolution of disputes as it advances Economic Diplomacy through the promotion of regional and international peace.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR!