Bandits in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have freed 25 Zambian villagers they seized last weekend, but the fate of one is still unknown. Home Affairs Minister Peter Machungwa said the 25 were freed and handed over to Zambian authorities on Tuesday night. ”They all appear to be in good health and are back with their families. Negotiations with the rebels are still going on to secure the release of the missing villager,” he said. The bandits took the hostages at the weekend after their boat had veered into Congo territory off northwestern Zambia, and released three of the villagers so they could return to Zambia and inform authorities of their fate. – Reuters