Two Fishermen of Namoomba fishing camp in Chief Sikoongo of Siavonga District have been arrested and detained by Zimbabwean authorities for allegedly fishing illegally on the waters of that country.
The two named fishermen were arrested and picked up by officers from the Zimbabwe National parks after they were found fishing business on the Zimbabwean side of the lower Zambezi River.
Both Siavonga District Commissioner Emily Striedl and Namoomba Village Headman Bornface Mulopa confirmed the arrest of the two fishermen in separate interviews with ZANIS in Siavonga today.
Headman Mulopa identified the two fishermen as John Chimowa and Lawrence Mwape.
The traditional leader said the two fishermen were ambushed while fishing in the river in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Headman Mulopa explained that the Zimbabwean security officers using a speed boat rammed into the fishermen’s canoe which capsized.
He said the Zimbabwean security officers then picked up the swimming Zambian fishermen, bundled them in the speed boat and took them to Zimbabwe.
Headman Mulopa stated that the families of the two fishermen are worried about the fate and whereabouts of their missing relatives. He appealed to government to quickly intervene in the matter.
Siavonga District Commissioner, disclosed that government, through its security wings in the area has already contacted its counterparts on the Zimbabwean side in an effort to try and secure the safety of the fishermen.
“Our officers from various security wings immediately rushed to Namoomba after receiving a report of the arrest of the two fishermen and efforts have already been made to try and persuade the authorities in Zimbabwe to release the two fishermen, “she revealed.
The District Commissioner called for calm among villagers in Namoomba, saying government is using the necessary diplomatic channels to ensure that the fishermen return back home safely.
She however castigated fishermen who have a tendency of crossing to the Zimbabwean side on both the lower Zambezi River and Lake Kariba to catch fish, leading to their arrest by Zimbabwean security officers.
Meanwhile, twenty two other Zambian fishermen on Wednesday appeared in the Siavonga Magistrate court charged with the offence of smuggling.
They are all residents of Siavonga and were arrested last month by a combined team of security wings for allegedly fishing illegally on the Zimbabwean side of Lake Kariba.
More than ten boats and 1000 kilograms of fresh fish were confiscated from the arrested fishermen who were caught napping during the raid that took place in the night.
The fishermen pleaded not guilty of the offence.
ZANIS
This is the Reason Zambia needs a Navy of even 300 personel. So as its citizens do not cross borders unknowingly.
“Headman Mulopa explained that the Zimbabwean security officers using a speed boat rammed into the fishermen’s canoe which capsized.
He said the Zimbabwean security officers then picked up the swimming Zambian fishermen, bundled them in the speed boat and took them to Zimbabwe.'”
This is criminal behavior by the Zimbabweans. How do you arrest people by ramming them. Our fishermen could have been killed!
you see what type of treatmen you expect from zimbabweans,they are so stupid and pompous but here the are freely roaming the streets selling anything from sweets to cants and you just watch them.
iwe chi LT let me complain about these zimbabweans balitumpa sana but ulenchinga.have seen what they can do to your kinsmen whilst here you let the roam your streets freely.
so you let them do business freely selling anything from sweets to sex and you dont do anything about it.
This headline is horrendous
The behaviour of friends in Zimbabwe leaves much to be desired. Whilst we accommodate them in all sorts of ways they have continued arresting our nationals in a cruel manner. Those pipo who fish in Zambezi and Lake Kariba very cross the border line. This done bu citizens of both countries. Let the relevant security officers from both countries iron out this issue. There are lot Zimbabweans trading in all sorts and mishandling of Zambians by Zim officials may spark retaliation by Zambians why may not in the interest of both countries. Where is the brotherlyness politicians breach about when Zim Game Rangers can ram into a banana boat.?
Yes we need a marine wing. GRZ should consider this seriously. We have Zambezi, < Luapula Rivers & Lakes Mweru and Tanganyika. All these need serious patrol
There at it again. Early this year the same so called Zim Police shot a Zambian fisherman and I am not sure if that case is still being looked at. Now this time it’s the repeat of history. These Zim guys should forget what we do for them, recently there was that 9,000 metric tonnes of maize given to them, they have invaded livingstone selling sweets and other small merchandise. As this is not enough they have even gone a mile further by practising prostitution which is the oldest profession in the world. Zambia prostitutes have complained bitterly because their counter parts are charging lower rates hence getting a lot of clients. I wonder what could have being happening to Zambian brothers and sisters if this was the opposite. Let them release our fishermen or else…
Zimbabweans have no regard for Zambians despite the hospitality we give them. The Zambezi is so vast and you surely cannot expect any fisherman to notice that they have gone into ‘enemy’ territory. You feed your desperate and in turn he bites your hand, shame!