Over 250 displaced in S. Zambia after clashes: official

Over 250 people in southern Zambia's Namwala district have been displaced after they were attacked allegedly by supporters of the country's main opposition party, an official said on Monday.

Supporters of the main United Party for National Development (UPND) have allegedly embarked on a mission to rid the province of all people who hail from other provinces after the August 11 polls in which incumbent President Edgar Lungu was re-elected.

The supporters are not happy that their leader, Hakainde Hichilema, who hails from the same province, was beaten in the election.

Namwala District Commissioner Mary Sakala the attacks on people who hail from other provinces started immediately Lungu was declared winner.

She said the people were displaced after their houses were burnt and that 58 of the displaced people were being kept at a government school in the district while others have fled to neighboring towns.

Sakala told state broadcaster, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, that the attacks were horrific as some of the people have been injured by spears.

The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) has since provided blankets and mattresses for the displaced people.

Patrick Kangwa, national coordinator of the DMMU, said the organization has partnered with the Zambia Red Cross Society to provide all the required necessities to the displaced people.

On Sunday, the Zambian president expressed sadness over the brutal attacks being perpetrated by suspected members of the opposition party in the aftermath of the general elections.

The opposition supporters also burnt government offices in western Zambia's Lukulu district.

The opposition party has disputed the outcome of the elections, claiming the vote was stolen and have since petitioned the results in court. Endit