Zambians defying the fish ban held in Congo DR

Zambians defying the fish ban held in Congo DR

Mwense, February 27, ZANIS —–Mwense District Commissioner Victor Kasuba has disclosed that 18 Zambians were arrested on the Democratic Republic of Congo waters and were still held up in that country.

Mr Kasuba said he had made efforts to negotiate their release but Congolese authorities have contended that they will only release them after the fish ban period.

The District Commissioner said he thought of seeking for their release as the information of their capture indicated to have been over a week ago.

Mr Kasuba also said the Zambians were captured when they took advantage of the quietness on patrols of law enforcement officers on the Zambian side and they thought it was quiet on the other side too but met the alert Congolese who captured them.

He said there was need to equip the Zambian Police and Fisheries Officers with marine skills so that they could be keeping vigil on the waters in enforcing the fish ban during this period.

And Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Mbololwa Muyaba said the Ministry of Defence will within two weeks going to deploy personnel to handle marine issues in the area.