Human Rights Commission, others condemn xenophobia in Zambia

A cross section of society have strongly condemned the looting and destruction of shops and properties belonging to foreign nationals in some parts of Lusaka in  protest against the suspected barbaric ritual killings going on in Lusaka.

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) condemned the continued brutal killings of people as they constitute irrevocable violation of human rights.

The commission also expressed concern with hatred against foreigners who have allegedly been linked to the suspected ritual killings.

in a statement availved to ZANIS today, HRC Chief of Information, Education and Training, Mweelwa Muleya stated that the move to target a group of individuals because of their identity is one of the worst forms of violation of human rights and that such behaviour constitutes xenophobia which is a crime against humanity.

He observed that government has a primary duty to take effective measures to prevent the on-going suspected ritual killings within the provisions of the law and also protect everyone from any form of violence or abuse such as destroying properties and threatening their lives.

Mr. Muleya urged members of the public to be prudent and exercise self-restraint and allow law enforcement officers to thoroughly investigate and bring the culprits to justice so that those suspected of being engaged in the criminal activities can be subjected to the due process of the law.

Meanwhile, the Church has also condemned the acts of violence as they are a threat to peace in the nation and does not represent the peaceful, accommodating and welcoming nature of Zambians.

Council of churches in Zambia, General Secretary, Reverend Suzanne Matale said  the acts of violence will breed fear and alarm in communities and if left unchecked will deteriorate into lawlessness and lead to loss of lives and property.

Rev. Matale has since appealed to the clergy to rise and reach out to community members through counselling to help them to desist from the acts of violence and instil a sense of responsibility towards restoring peace and order in the city.

She also urged the Police to put up efficient security measures to manage the situation by increasing their presence in the affected areas and also to issue comprehensive statement on the arrests of the suspects in connection with the ritual killings to avoid spread of rumours in the community.