Maravi

DRC rebels kill Chienge headman

DRC rebels kill Chienge headman
By Alex Mukuka and Godfrey Chikumbi in Chienge
Tue 11 Dec. 2012, 12:00 CAT

A Zambian has been killed by the Maimai rebels of Democratic Republic of Congo in Chienge since fights between that country's government and the rebels broke out.

Senior chief Puta of the Bwile people confirmed the incident when deputy home affairs Minister Nickson Chilangwa paid a courtesy call on him.

He said headman Ntutuma was killed in a raid by the Maimai rebels in a fight that has resulted into most Congolese nationals to flee into Zambia.

Chief Puta said the body of headman Ntutuma is in Nchelenge district hospital awaiting a postmortem.

He also noted that many Congolese refugees have crossed into Zambia but are not recorded since they are using uncontrolled entry points such as Lambwe Chikwama, Kabange and Swali.

Chief Puta said very few refugees passed through the border control post and that a number of them have since integrated into the surrounding communities because they have Zambian relatives.

At least 1,000 Congolese refugees have fled into Zambia following political fights that have erupted between the Maimai rebels and the government in DRC.

More than 800 refugees are being kept at Kilwa Island in Nchelenge while 69 are in Chienge district in Luapula Province.

Defence minister Geoffrey Mwamba, home affairs minister Edgar Lungu, Luapula Province Minister Benson Kapaya and home affairs deputy minister Nickson Chilangwa were over the weekend in Luapula to find an alternative location for the Congolese refugees.

Labels: CHIEF PUTA, CHIEFS, DRC, MAI-MAI

posted by MrK @ 4:47 PM