Zambia, DRC form joint probe into ZNS officer’s death
By Caren Mwaka
Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo –DRC- have constituted a joint investigation team following the shooting to death of a Zambia National Service -ZNS- officer in Ndola’s Chichele Forest Reserve.
Defence Minister AMBROSE LUFUMA says the incident occurred on December 1, 2024 after ZNS officers intercepted mealie meal smugglers believed to be Zambian nationals and confiscated the smuggled commodity.
He says the smugglers fled into the DRC that led to confrontations between Zambian and Congolese forces, resulting in the tragic death of one ZNS officer and one soldier being injured.
The Defence minister has confirmed that Staff Sergeant CORINTHIANS KAPUTA sustained a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at Kalewa Garrison Hospital in Ndola while Staff Sergeant JOSEPH BANDA sustained a gunshot wound.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka today, Mr. LUFUMA urged traders to operate within stipulated regulations to avoid similar situations.
He said Zambia remains committed to ensuring peaceful resolution of disputes as it advances economic diplomacy through the promotion of regional and international peace.
Mr. LUFUMA also said government will continue to implement efforts to strengthen food security and urged citizens to remain patriotic by supporting measures to curb smuggling.
