Government has cautioned headmen and Traditional leaders in Chiengi and Nchelenge Districts to desist from harboring refugees and facilitating their unauthorized movements.
Minister of Home Affairs Stephen Kampyongo has also urged all the Congolese refugees who intend to return to their country of origin to follow the laid down procedures.
Mr. Kampyongo has told journalists at a media briefing in Lusaka today that government regrets the death of the 7 refugees who drowned on Lake Mweru in Chiengi District on Friday last week after they illegally left the transit centre where they were stationed.
The seven deceased children who have since been buried died after the boat they were in capsized on Lake Mweru near Kasote village.
Mr. Kampyongo also noted with concern that the refugees at Kenani transit centre were illegally leaving the camp in order to avoid relocation to Mantapala refugee camp.
The minister added that government will soon institute investigations to ascertain why refugees are leaving the camps illegally.
Ends/mp
