18 February 2008
Ndola — ALL the over 30 Zambian fishermen that were captured and detained in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) early this year have returned home and have since joined their families in Luapula Province.
Defence Minister George Mpombo who confirmed the development in Lusaka yesterday said the issue was resolved diplomatically and all the detained fishermen had since returned home.
He explained that the apprehended Zambian fishermen were found fishing in the Congolese territory where the current fish ban was strictly enforced.
"The situation had been normalised and I want to appeal to Zambians to remain calm. There is no need to worry because the fishermen have all been brought back home," he said.
Mr Mpombo said the Zambian soldiers had intensified patrols on in borders areas around the country to ensure that no citizen strayed into another country.
He said the soldiers were also ensuring that there was no incursion from the neighbouring country.
He further said Zambians living near the border areas in Luapula Province were being sensitised against going beyond Zambian borders without permission as they carried out their activities.
Last month, more than 30 Zambian fishermen were picked from Mukwakwa, Kalungwishi, Kasungwa, Kalubuli and Chipuma areas by DRC security officials patrolling the borders on Lake Mweru.
The fishermen that were abducted were taken to an island in DRC.
ZANIS
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