Maravi

Differences over Lake Kariba boundary worry chief Chipepo

Differences over Lake Kariba boundary worry chief Chipepo
Written by Lemmy Likando in Siavonga
Wednesday, November 12, 2008 9:04:38 AM

CHIEF Chipepo of the Tonga people in Siavonga has
expressed concern over the prevailing differences involving the boundary on Lake Kariba, which is shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Chief Chipepo said he is concerned with the 'violence and victimisation' that Zambian fishermen conducting their fishing business on the lake are subjected to by the Zimbabwean security.

Chief Chipepo who was speaking in an interview with ZANIS in his capacity as chairperson for Lake Kariba Inter Zonal Fisheries Management Association said urgent action was required to enable resolve the current problem.

He called on Zambian security wings to immediately convene a meeting with their Zimbabwean counterpart in order to discuss the matter and have bilateral understandings on the operations of the lake.

Chief Chipepo's call for bilateral talks comes amid continued reports of arrests and beatings of Zambian fishermen by Zimbabwean security officers on allegations that they are conducting their fishing business on their side of the lake.

Last week, a named 25- year-old man who was a resident of Siavonga's Kaleya compound was shot, at close range by Zimbabwe police officers who were carrying out patrols on the lake on allegations that he had crossed over the water boundaries together with his friends.

The three Zambian men who witnessed the shooting were seriously battered before being taken to Kariba Police Post in Zimbabwe where they were arrested and detained in cells.

Chief Chipepo disclosed that he was angered by the death of the 25-year-old man saying the Zimbabwean police needed to be reminded of the fact that killing people was not a solution.

"This lake was constructed to benefit both Zambians and Zimbabweans. It was not made so that people can be killed in cold blood. We will not condone a situation where some people want to kill others. Imagine if our security personnel also start killing those that they find crossing the water boundaries? asked chief Chipepo.

Labels: BORDERS, CHIEF CHIPEPO, LKIZFMA, SOUTHERN PROVINCE, ZIMBABWE

posted by MrK @ 9:06 AM