'Ritual killings' trigger violence, looting in Zambian capital

Shops owned by Rwandans in the Zambian capital Lusaka have been attacked and looted by local residents who accuse them of being behind recent "ritual killings".

Seven people have been killed in Lusaka since last month. Their bodies were found with some organs removed, which locals say is an indication of ritual killings.

Eleven people have been arrested in connection with the macabre killings since Saturday.

Some local residents, accusing Rwandans in Lusaka of being behind the killings, on Monday started attacking and looting shops owned by Rwandans.

They also accuse the Rwandans of taking business opportunities away from Zambians.

The violence started in shanty areas west of Lusaka, and has continued and spread to other parts of the city on Tuesday.

So far 65 shops have been looted and over 250 people have been arrested in connection with the looting, according to police spokesperson, Charity Munganga-Chanda.

Minster of Home Affairs, Davies Mwila, said on Tuesday the xenophobic attacks "must come to an immediate end".

"The anti-social and criminal conduct seen in the high density areas north and west of the city of Lusaka must come to an immediate end," he said in an address to the nation on the state broadcaster.

Mwila, who toured the affected areas, said the police would "do everything possible" to arrest those involved in the ritual killings but could not reveal whether foreigners were among the arrested.

"What is important is that these are suspects, whether Zambians or foreigners and they are helping with investigations," he told reporters.

Mwila has called on local people not to take the law into their own hands and assured business community and the public of their safety.

Police say more officers have been deployed to the affected areas to ensure security.

Shops owned by foreigners have remained closed for fear of the violence.

Local reports say some foreign nationals have sought protection in police stations in the townships of Lusaka, following allegations that the violence may continue.

Analysts warn that the violence could be more than meets the eye, saying it reflects problems of poverty and unemployment in the Southern African nation.

Source: XINHUA