Zambia tightens security at Congo boarder

Zambia announced that it has intensified security measures at the boarder with Congo commonly known as Kasumbalesa in Chililabombwe district of the Copperbelt.

The government owned and controlled National Broadcaster, ZNBC Television reports that the Head of the Police Stella Libongani announced that an elite unit of Para military officers has since established a permanent base at Kasumbalesa Boarder Post.

Ms. Libongani said the unit is patrolling the area alongside the regular police officers stationed in the area. She says the deployment of more Police Officers at Kasumbalesa is aimed at strengthening security at the Border post.

She has further disclosed that her office through the Ministry of Home Affairs is in talks with DRC authorities regarding the security situation in the area.

In the recent past, three truck drivers have been killed along the transport corridor, while another was shot in the leg last week..

This has prompted the Zambian Government to consider establishing a dry port at Kasumbalesa.

The matter regarding the safety of international truckers going to the DRC through Kasumbalesa has since been referred to the regional grouping SADC.

The provincial Minister on Monday disclosed that the situation at the boarder was getting out of hand and called for urgent measures to secure the area.