By Christabel Chulu
Two days after voting in Tanzania, rising post-election tension in the neighboring country has begun to affect life on the Zambian side of the border, with a ZESCO transformer in Nakonde damaged by a suspected stray bullet.
The incident happened near Kasama–Kasama station area in Nakonde, close to Amico, about 300 meters from the Zambia–Tanzania buffer zone.
The 200KVA, 11/0.4KV transformer, which supplies power to several commercial outlets, including Powertools, and residential areas in Katozi has been perforated on three fins, causing oil to spill to the ground.
The transformer stands about eight meters high.
When the Chete FM news crew arrived at the scene, transformer oil was still leaking, and gunshots could still be heard from across the border.
Fortunately, ZESCO immediately rushed to isolate the transformer to prevent further damage and ensure public safety.
A cartridge was also found on the ground about eight meters from the transformer, believed to be linked to the gunfire from the Tanzanian side.
Local trader David Bwalya, who witnessed the incident, has told Chete.FM News that he saw several people running from the buffer zone just before hearing a loud gunshot.
“Before we knew it, the bullet hit the transformer, we are sure it came from the Tanzanian side, if it had not struck the transformer, we do not know what could have happened,” he said.
Mr Bwalya has expressed fear over the escalating situation and concern for residents and traders operating near the border.
Power has since been cut off in parts of Nakonde as ZESCO works to assess and repair the damage.
The development comes amid growing unrest in Tanzania following Wednesday’s general election.
Reports indicate that tension remains high in towns such as Dodoma, Dar es Salaam.
A check at Tunduma this morning found shops closed and a curfew is in effect.
Supporters of opposition figures have accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government of suppressing democracy by barring key opponents from contesting the election.
Tundu Lissu, one of the strongest opposition figures, has reportedly been detained on treason charges, while another prominent rival was disqualified from participating.
At least one police officer and a civilian have reportedly been killed in the ensuing violence.Meanwhile, traffic at the Tunduma–Nakonde border has come to a standstill, with trucks unable to cross as tension persists.
In a separate incident along the Malawi–Tanzania–Zambia border area, three people,including a Zambian were shot and injured by suspected Tanzanian police on Wednesday.
The victims are currently receiving treatment at Nakonde District Hospital.
Local authorities in Nakonde have urged residents to remain calm and avoid border areas until stability returns to the neighboring country.
Chete FM