Riots In Zambia Linked To Xenophobia

The recent riots in the impoverished areas of Lusaka are apparently all attributed to xenophobic fears, after local residents said that a recent string of ritual killings were linked to foreigners in the area.

Hundreds of local Zambians looted various foreign owned shops in Lusaka over the past few days as they firmly believe the foreigners are behind the ritualistic killings that have taken place over the past few weeks.

According to various reports from Zambia, at least seven people have been killed in what has been hailed as ‘ritual killings’ in recent weeks.

These people were killed in the George and Zingalume neighbourhoods of Lusaka.

There were various organs and other body parts removed from the victims, including ears, genitalia and even hearts.

Charity Chanda, a police spokesperson, confirmed the link between xenophobia and the riots and looting going on:

“…Residents of Zingalume and George are looting shops belonging to foreigners… on suspicion that they are involved in the recent murders,” she said.

She also said that police have been deployed to, and have taken hold of, the area:

“…Officers in full riot gear have been deployed in the area,” she said.