Maravi

Congolese attack Zambians at Kasumbalesa border

Congolese attack Zambians at Kasumbalesa border
Written by Mutuna Chanda
Friday, July 31, 2009 3:32:58 PM

CONFUSION reigned at Kasumbalesa border yesterday afternoon when some Congolese nationals attacked the Zambian side following reports that a fellow national had died in detention.

The Zambia-Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border was closed after the Congolese attacked Zambian registered vehicles and anyone who seemed Zambian both on the Congolese and Zambian sides.

The Congolese were incensed by reports that one of their fellow nationals who was part of a group that was detained by immigration officers had died in custody in Zambia.

According to an eyewitness who did not want to be named, the Congolese pelted at vehicles damaging some of them and charged at anyone who seemed Zambian on the DRC side and the no-man's-land. The eyewitness said the mob surged towards the Zambian side.

Police officers fired warning shots and teargas canisters to disperse the crowds that were advancing onto the Zambian side.

A transporter, who was caught up in the confusion, said the Congolese, some of whom guard trucks at the border, were upset and were under the impression that Zambians were killing their fellow nationals.

The transporter, who also declined to be named, said there were a number of rumours at the border among the Congolese including information that of the 20 fellow nationals who had been detained in Zambia, 15 had been poisoned in detention.

And a businessman, Patrick Tembo, who operates from the border said immigration officers had abandoned their offices and were helping out police officers in restoring calm on the ground.

But police sources dismissed the reports of a Congolese dying in custody, saying of the 60 that had been detained in July, about 30 were still in detention because they had failed to pay the admission of guilt fine.

When contacted for comment, Chililabombwe District commissioner Timothy Musonda said the situation had come under control.

Musonda said he was by press time at the no-man's land meeting Kasumbalesa mayor.

Ministry of Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Ndiyoyi Mutiti said she had received information about the skirmish earlier in the day and was awaiting a full report.

"I received information about the skirmish but as to Zambians being attacked, that I have not received," said Mutiti.

Labels: BORDER POSTS, DRC, KASUMBALESA, POLICE BRUTALITY

posted by MrK @ 2:33 PM