MINISTER of Defence Geoffrey Mwamba has disclosed that the slain Zambian soldier on a peace-keeping mission in Sudan was killed in a robbery that took place at the gate of his residence.
Mr Mwamba said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that Major Alfred Banda, who was in the company of his colleague, only identified as Major Bwalya, was ambushed at the gate while waiting for someone to open it.
“The incident happened on October 11 around 18:30 hours when the two officers had returned from duty. Men armed with pistols and knives opened the doors [of the car], stabbed Major Banda and sped off with a UN vehicle,” he said.
The minister described the incident as a criminal act.
Mr Mwamba said Major Banda’s body will be flown to Zambia this week.
He said a comprehensive report would soon be issued through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mr Banda was serving as a military observer of the United Nations-African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) in El Fasher, North Darfur.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the killing of Major Banda and called on the Government of Sudan to bring the perpetrators to justice.
A message from Mr Ban’s office stated that the UN Secretary General is deeply saddened at the death of a Zambian soldier.
“The Secretary-General expresses his deepest sympathies to the families of the fallen peace-keeper, the Government of Zambia and to all UNAMID personnel,” the statement reads in part.
So wrong to be killed in such a manner when you are just out there to do good and serve people’s live. I really feel for his family and friends. MHRSIP
This is sad, but it’s to be expected when soldires go to war, not all will return as they went. Some are so traumatised by the fog and friction of war that they later suffer from PTSD! The life of a soldier in Zambia is that if they are not exposed to courses abroad or UN missions where they can make a bit of money, they pretty much lead a miserable life on the miserable salary. In the mission MILOBs mingle with the population and have to pay their own accomodation, certain neighbourhoods are quite rough but most of the time when you are a stranger especially in a place like that you need to watch your back. So all those who think UN missions are for money making, think again. His colleague has the full story we will never know but keep guessing.
I just GBM is not covering up the story. May his soul rest
That comprehensive report will not be availed I can assure you, especially if it is not written in a manner that reflects exactly what the minister has said… there are so many comprehensive reports that have not seen the light of day.
Iwe kamunyama , this report is prepared by the UN. So far the UN hasnt yet released the report on the slain 7 Tanzanian peacekeepers due to complicity by the Govt of Sudan. The report will probably never be released by Sudan and UN
RIP Maj Banda. This will serve to shame those embeciles that think Zambian soldiers just laze around town etc. They do also get into perilous situations such as this one and do get their share of violent acts. RIP A.R
(1)I wish GBM is serious when he says it is a criminal way of killing some one.
(2) Look at the savagery of his cadres the Chikwelete moving with pangas and using force to hound others from offices. Isn’t this criminal? Awe mwandi we are tired these people.
CONDOLENCES HON. MINISTER & THE PIPO OF ZAMBIA. MHSRIEP.
Major Bwalya should explain how his colleague died. Why was he spared?
Major Bwalya has already explained.what else do you want to know ba@chipasha chapwamano. i suspect you are one of those prophets going round telling that people every death is cause by satanists. eg. malaria , akashishi .TB etc. get a life mwakota sana fast mu brain bane.
Ba Chipasha Chipeshamano naimwe. Your blogs are shocking. What are you trying to insinuate?
Iwe number 5 uli wa oyo.Honestly here is one of our Gallant statesmen Brutally murderd and all you can yap is bringing Politics into the all sad scenarion.Iam ashamed of You and i do not think you are really a Zambian.Know wen to yap Cheap politics.SHAME ON YOU.
Warrior of our land,one of Zambia’s finest sons. He didn’t speak his killers’ language but spoke the universal language of love and peace. But the scoundrels murdered him! May His Soul Rest in Peace.
We need the ICC to deal with African leaders who create conditions of strife leading to good people like Maj. Banda to die such a painful death so far from home.
The argument that only African leaders are dragged to the ICC is wrong according to history. In any case people in democratic countries have a say on what happens to them and their countries, which is a far cry in Africa. They have continued to perfect their democratic institutions to a point that their leaders have no chance whatsoever to become dictators.
Soldiers are supposed to be trained in many military tactics and intelligence etc. Surely a soldier at the rank of major can not sniff an ambush but ride directly into it an be killed and even his minister starts crying victim. The chap was supposed to be alert all times sha!!! Condolences but let them chaps be watchful.
Get Lost
You are fuucking retard! You should be more alert yourself and let see where you will end up! ******we
A true hero a true patriot we have lost. Prayers for his family :).
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