Shot Zambian driver back safely
THE Zambian truck driver reported to have been shot dead in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is alive and back in the country. Mr Jeff Zulu, a resident of Mufulira, was shot on the left side of his face. He was brought back to Zambia after treatment and handed over to Zambian authorities by Congolese governor of Upper Katanga, Mr Celistin Pande Kapopo. A 36-man delegation from the DRC led by the Upper Katanga governor is in the Copperbelt Province for talks with the Zambian government over the standoff at the Kasumbalesa border post. SADC drivers have been marooned at the Zambian side for six days in Chililabombwe in protest at the shooting of Mr Zulu. Mr Kapopo told Copperbelt minister, Bowman Lusambo that the driver was attacked by criminals and had had to be treated before being brought back to Zambia. The governor said it was imperative not to jeopardise the cordial relationship that had existed between the two countries. Mr. Kapopo said the two countries need to find a lasting solution to the challenges at the border. “The boundaries are just what separate us but we are brothers and sisters. The challenge at the border cannot sour the relationship that the two countries have enjoyed for a long time. People from the two countries have even intermarried meaning that we are a family. “I have brought the driver that was shot at and he has been in my custody and well taken care of by the medical personnel in my country. The fellow drivers assumed that he was dead hence the standoff but he is here to tell his story and confirm if he was mistreated,” he said. Receiving the delegation, Mr Lusambo also emphasised on the need for the two countries to find a lasting solution to the challenges expressed by the SADC drivers. However, SADC Truck Drivers Association executive trustee Ditton Kaira told the Daily Nation in an interview that the protest would continue because their concerns had not been resolved. Mr. Kaira said security of truck drivers was paramount and that was what the two countries should consider. He pointed out that government officials from the two countries were only present when they heard that a driver had been killed in DRC. “On Wednesday night three drivers were attacked on the Congolese side. One truck belonged to Fara Transport, the other one for China United and the other one I’m yet to confirm. Government should sit down with the Congolese government and not engage junior officials to attend to these issues,” he said. He accused the Katanga governor of avoiding to meet the drivers association. He demanded that the governor meets them to have the issues resolved concerning security. The Zambian truck driver is said to have been attacked at a place called Machipisha in DRC which is about seven kilometres from Lubumbashi and is known to be a hide out for notorious criminals who target international freighters.