Zambian gov't concerned over rise in suspected ritual killings

The Zambian government on Friday expressed concern over the increase in suspected ritual killings that have hit Lusaka, the country's capital.

Suspected ritual killings have rocked some sprawling shanty compounds of the Zambian capital, and six dead bodies have so far picked in a month, with missing body parts.

Chief Government Spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili said the government was concerned and has since warned people behind the macabre killings that the law will "catch up with them so that they answer for their barbaric and heartless acts".

"Government will not allow criminals to commit such cruel act with impunity," he said, calling on public support in helping the police crack down on the criminals behind the spate of suspected ritual killings.

On Thursday, residents fought running battles with the police following the discovery of the sixth body of a 21-year-old man without a heart, private parts and ears after they accused the police of not doing enough to provide security.

"We are not happy about what is happening here. We are even scared of moving nowadays because of these killings. They (police) are telling us that they have started patrolling our areas, what kind of patrol is this if we are finding our relatives dead in the morning," resident Peter Mwila told local media.

Home Affairs Minister Davies Mwila has since called for thorough investigations so that the suspects could be found. Endit