(LUSAKA) Hundreds of people hurled stones at police and looted dozens
of foreign-owned shops in different townships in Lusaka on Tuesday, police
said, the second day of violence prompted by rumours of immigrants carrying out
ritual murders.
At least six people have been murdered in the capital in the
past four weeks and police said some body parts including ears, hearts and
genitals had been removed.This has raised suspicion of ritual killings by
immigrants, even though police have suggested neither. Rumours circulating on
social media allege body parts would be used as charms to ensure success in
business.
Zambia hosts thousands of refugees from neighbouring
countries, especially Rwanda and Burundi, but relations between the communities
are usually peaceful. Police spokeswoman Charity Munganga-Chanda said 62 shops
had been looted and 256 suspects detained for looting and rioting. Davis Mwila,
the home affairs minister, said several foreigners had sought refuge in police
stations for fear of being attacked.Speaking after touring some of the affected
areas, Mwila said 11 people had been detained on suspicion of being involved in
ritual killings.
