Lusaka, Zambia – December 3, 2024
Minister of Defence, Ambrose Lufuma, has confirmed the tragic death of Staff Sergeant Corinthians Kaputa, a Zambia National Service (ZNS) officer, in a shooting incident that occurred on December 1, 2024, in the Kawama area of Ndola. The incident involved an exchange of gunfire between ZNS soldiers and armed smugglers attempting to transport mealie-meal into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
During a press briefing, Minister Lufuma explained that the ZNS soldiers intercepted a group of smugglers who were attempting to illicitly transport the staple food into the neighboring DRC. However, as the smugglers fled the scene, they falsely reported the situation to Congolese troops, who then confronted the Zambian soldiers. The Congolese troops demanded the release of the mealie-meal and the weapons of the smugglers, which led to a tense standoff and an exchange of gunfire between the two parties.
Tragically, during the clash, Staff Sergeant Kaputa lost his life, while another ZNS officer, Staff Sergeant Banda, sustained injuries. Lufuma confirmed that although Banda was injured in the incident, he is now in stable condition and receiving medical treatment.
In response to the incident, a joint investigation has been launched by both Zambia and the DRC to establish the full facts surrounding the clash and prevent any similar occurrences in the future. Minister Lufuma expressed his condolences to the family of the fallen officer and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between Zambia and the DRC to ensure peace and security along their shared border.
“We are committed to working closely with our neighbors to address such incidents and ensure the safety of our soldiers and citizens,” Lufuma said, adding that both governments are dedicated to maintaining the security of their borders and preventing any further escalation.
This incident has drawn attention to the ongoing challenge of cross-border smuggling in the region, particularly concerning the trafficking of essential commodities like mealie-meal, which has significant economic and social implications for both Zambia and the DRC.
