It is not quiet yet, in Chingola, Zambia. ‘The dust hasn’t settled down.’ Allegations of ritual killings, mob justice, riots, denials, warnings, calls for prayers. ‘Why pray if there are no ritual killings’, was one of the comments on the article presented below. Where smoke is, there is fire. Is this true in Chingola? Rumors flourish where ignorance prevails. We have to stay calm, well informed, and obey the authorities. That’s my advice to the people of Chingola and elsewhere who are in similar or comparable circumstances (webmaster FVDK).  

Sumaili urges Zambians to pray for Copperbelt residents in light of ritual killings

Published: January 25, 2020
By: Zambia reports – Chris Phiri

National Guidance and Religious Affairs Minister Reverend Godfridah Sumaili has asked Zambians to stand in prayer for the Copperbelt Province following riots sparked by the alleged ritual killings.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka on Thursday morning, Rev Sumaili said the government is concerned about the unfortunate situation, hence President Edgar Lungu’s intervention to task the Ministries of Home Affairs and Defence to investigate the matter and restore unity.

She said peace should be nurtured in the country because in its absence, there is fear which breeds hate, violence, disorder, confusion and anxiety and affects productivity.

“I am calling for effective and fervent prayers from the children of God, intercessory teams, intercessors, families and all peace loving Zambians to arise and pray. I encourage the church mother bodies to encourage their members to pray,” Reverend Sumaili said.

She further called on all Zambians to cooperate with the defence and security wings in maintaining law and order and avoid taking the law in their own hands.

Reverend Sumaili has also warned those circulating videos where people are being murdered to stop immediately as they have the potential to spread confusion and plant seeds of violence and death.

“I encourage the people of Zambia to stand together and restore calm and peace. We will hold hands in prayer as one Zambia one nation because blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,” Reverend Sumaili said.

Source: Sumaili Urges Zambians to Pray for Copperbelt Residents in Light of Ritual Killings

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Don’t Riot, Katanga Warns Agrieved Chingola Residents

Published: January 25, 2020
By: Zambia Reports – Chris Phiri

Copperbelt Police Commissioner Charity Katanga has warned Chingola residents against riots following a spate of the suspected ritual attacks in the mining town, saying Police are equally unhappy with what is happening.

And Katanga has clarified that residents have the right to own firearms, provided they are licensed, adding that being found with such in public places is an offence which attracts about five to seven years in prison.

Speaking when she featured on Kokoliko Radio, Katanga said the police are as offended as the residents about the attacks going on, stressing that police will be changing strategies in order to apprehend the perpetrators.

She warned those inciting people to protest that maximum force would be used on them.

“Police are not happy about what is happening as much as you also residents of Chingola are not happy about the happenings. I can assure you we are doing everything possible, you will be seeing us changing strategies just to close in on the accused persons. There can be suspects here or there but we cannot reveal for security reasons or the like but once everything done, we can come up and say okay this is what we have done. Nangu tatubekete (Even if we haven’t apprehended them) you give us time. I am warning those who like inciting, even in WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms under the guise of saying police are not protecting them, to incite people to demonstrate, to cause public disorder…We are going to ensure that we use maximum force. Nga nipa police tepakwesha kwisa (If it is at the police station, don’t even dare coming), ndemisokela chalimo (I am warning you in advance),” Katanga said. “So those who are going to say ‘we are going to protest’, even when we arrest some people, I am not going to allow the situation where people come to the police station to come and protest, you will be ruthlessly dealt with.”

Source: Don’t Riot, Katanga Warns Agrieved Chingola Residents