-Nakonde border operations normalise

Nakonde border operations normalise 

Nakonde April 5, 2013, ZANIS…Normal operations have resumed at Nakonde border in with all the departments at the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) yard  fully operational.

Meanwhile, at least all the shops at Tunduma in Tanzania have opened for business today with a number of cross border traders buying various goods and merchandise after being stranded yesterday as most of the shops remained closed.

Nakonde district commissioner James Singoyi told Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Nakonde today that the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), Immigration, the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) and other agencies at the border are now working normally.

The border was temporarily closed on Wednesday following fierce fighting that erupted between the Christians and the Muslims at Tunduma in Tanzania over who should slaughter  cattle for sell to the public.

Mr. Singoyi said traffic from Tanzania into Zambia is flowing normally adding that even the trucks and tankers have now started rolling into the country.

The district commissioner added that everyone working at the border is now back at work  adding that customs clearing agents are busy clearing goods at the border.

A check by ZANIS also found a number of people clearing their passports at the Immigration office while ZRA officers were also spotted busy working in their offices.

But across the border at Tunduma in Tanzania, armed paramilitary police officers, mainly from the regional headquarters in Mbeya which is about 130 kilo metres  from Nakonde border, have continued to patrol the area.

On Wednesday this week, a fierce fight erupted at Tunduma in Tanzania between the Christians and the Muslims resulted in loss of property and business.

The Christians accused the Muslims that when they slaughter cattle, they allegedly subject it to rituals.

The Christians are demanding that they should be allowed to slaughter the animals which are later taken to various butcheries and other outlets at the border for sell.