British citizens asked to stay away from Zambia

The British government has issued a warning to its citizens living in Zambia or traveling to that country to stay away because of political and zenophobic violence.  

According to The Post the British High Commission also issued a warning against poor medical facilities and poor communication in rural areas.  

Britons were told not to be around political rallies, gatherings or demonstrations ahead of the general election on August 11.  

This came a few days after at least two people were reportedly burnt to death in Lusaka during riots targeting Rwandan-owned shops, over allegations that foreigners were behind a string of ritual killings. 

The violence erupted earlier this week in slum areas of the capital after the recent murders of at least seven people, whose body parts such as ears, hearts and male organs had been removed.  

Hundreds of residents stoned houses and shops owned by foreign nationals, with some foreigners seeking refuge at Police stations, as looters took food, drinks, refrigerators and other electrical appliances.  

The Zambian government has deployed more than 400 soldiers to help end the violence. 
  
NEWS24