In an apt re-enaction of the deadly attacks against foreigners in South Africa,a Xenophobic attack has begun in Zambia with several people already severely wounded.
Crowds of people gathered in the wake of tyhe attacks
Hundreds of foreign nationals have converged in various police stations in shanty compounds seeking protection from Zambian attackers who are looting their shops and businesses.
According to Zambia Watchdog, yesterday, April 18, violent Zenophobic attacks erupted in Lusaka, Zingalume, George and parts of Garden and Mandevu compounds.
Zambians rioted and looted shops owned by non-Zambians especially people from Rwanda. One person was burnt to ashes in Kanyama but his identify has not yet been verified. Two other persons were stoned to death.
Residents of the Zambian capital Lusaka on Monday looted shops belonging to foreigners, accusing them of involvement in ritual killings.
The xenophobic attacks reportedly started at a house and a shop belonging to an entrepreneur from Rwanda in the low-income Zingalume neighbourhood.
They then spread to nearby Chunga neighbourhood. Zingalume residents stoned police, who responded with tear gas. The relentless rioting forced police to seek reinforcements.
The rioting followed the discovery of a mutilated body in Zingalume on Saturday. Four suspects were arrested on Sunday.
Security operatives were dispatched to contain the situation
The discovery was the sixth of its kind in or near the two neighbourhoods in two months. The victims are believed to have been killed to obtain body parts for use in rituals aimed at obtaining wealth or power.
“The residents, who were chanting slogans, have accused us, the police, of not providing enough security to them.
“Now they are saying these foreign businessmen are behind the ritual killings.
“We appeal for calm, as police are still investigating these murders, and all those behind them will be brought to book,’’ Police spokesperson Charity Munganga-Chanda said.