12 Congolese arrested for burning a Zambian driver alive

The burnt truck which was being driven by Chanda who was also burnt to death

ZAMBIAN truck driver Derrick Chanda, who was burnt to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) last week, was buried yesterday in Ndola and will never know the fate of 12 suspects connected to his death.
Mr Chanda was buried at Kantolomba Cemetery where DRC Consular-General Maloba Kanji announced the arrest of the 12 Congolese in connection with the death.
Mr Chanda’s brutal killing led to a protest by truck drivers who decided not to cross into the DRC until their safety is guaranteed.
Ms Kanji said the DRC is remorseful for what happened to Mr Chanda, who was set on fire after he accidentally ran over two Congolese pedestrians who died on the spot.  Mr Chanda is survived by three children.
Ms Kanji said 12 Congolese have since been arrested in connection with the murder and that Government will ensure justice prevails.
“On behalf of the Congolese government, we would like to convey our condolences to the bereaved family, as well as the Zambian people. We are deeply sorry for what happened as our Constitution does not allow it and we will ensure that justice prevails,” she said.
Ms Kanji appealed to Congolese nationals living in Zambia to remain calm as Government will ensure that they are protected.
She said Zambia and the DRC have enjoyed good neighbourliness and that they are like brother and sister.
And Southern Africa Development Community Truck Drivers Association chairman Stanley Muluka said many drivers are now scared of crossing into the DRC because of what happened to Mr Chanda.
Mr Muluka said it is not easy to lose a friend in such a manner and that justice must prevail in the matter.
He expressed concern that Mr Chanda’s employer did not show up at the funeral to show support to the bereaved family and urged Government to scrutinise such companies.
“Government must ensure that justice really prevails because even as we are speaking, we are scared of going into the DRC because we are always harassed,” Mr Muluka said.
Ndola District Commissioner Dorothy Nachilongo urged the family to be strong.
Ms Nachilongo said the manner in which Mr Chanda died was painful and thanked the family for holding the burial in a peaceful manner.

Zambia Daily Mail