Over 100 picked up by police in anti-China protests in Kitwe

Over 100 Kitwe residents have been arrested by police for riotous behavior after they participated in riots to denounce growing Chinese protests.

The riots were sparked by reports that government is in the process of selling off ZAFFICO, a strategic government owned business responsible for timber and wood resources to a private Chinese buyer.

The riots brought business came to a standstill in Racecourse, Kamatipa and Kawama compounds as saw millers and residents alike fought running battles with the police.

Some Chinese owned shops in Kawama compound were looted as residents accused government of favoring the Chinese at the expense of local people.

They also burnt tyres and logs on the road leading to Kamatipa and Nakadoli compounds while charging at the police.

And Copperbelt Police Commissioner Charity Katanga has confirmed that 101 people have been arrested following the riots.

Ms Katanga said out of the 101 arrested, 79 are males while 22 are females.

She said six female juveniles and male juveniles are among those arrested in the fracas.

Mrs Katanga said all the law breakers will face the full wrath of the law adding that the police command will not condone lawlessness in the Province.

Source: Lusaka Times