SA man dies in DRC

2003-11-23 21:46

Erika Gibson

Pretoria - A South African died and two Canadians were injured over the weekend when they were shot, apparently by soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, at a roadblock in the Lubumbashi area.

The two Canadians were airlifted to South Africa for urgent medical treatment.

South African authorities said the name of the South African who died in the attack would only be released once his next of kin have been informed.

The three men were apparently involved in Costa Mining, a company that mines cobalt in the area.

They were on their way from Likasi to Lubumbashi late on Friday night and had a large amount of cash with them.

A source said this road is extremely dangerous at night because robbers regularly put up roadblocks to trap victims. The robbers are often dressed in military uniforms.

However, defence force soldiers and members of the DRC presidential guard put up a legal roadblock outside Lubumbashi on Friday night because President Joseph Kabila was in town.

It is not clear what happened at the roadblock, but shooting ensued. The men may have mistaken the soldiers for robbers and tried to drive through the roadblock.

The South African, known only as "John", died at the roadblock, while one of the Canadians was seriously wounded. None of the men were apparently well known in Lubumbashi.

The South African's body will only be flown back home after a comprehensive investigation and administrative process.

Congolese legislation determines that a district surgeon first has to embalm the body to prevent the spreading of diseases across borders.

The body must also be sealed in a special lead coffin. The countries over which the body will be transported, Zimbabwe and Zambia, must also grant their permission.

Foreign affairs said staff at the embassy in Kinshasa were helping with arrangements and the investigation.

- Beeld