Zambia police confrontation leaves one dead in Lusaka

By Francis Maingaila

LUSAKA

One man was killed in a confrontation between Zambia police and supporters of the five opposition political parties who attempted to attend a banned rally in Lusaka on Sunday.

The police did not elaborate identity of the victim.

Speaking to reporters, police spokeswoman Esther Katongo blamed supporters of the political parties, saying they benefited the turmoil to commit the crime.

"28 others were injured and are receiving treatment at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH)," Katongo said.

She said 50 people were apprehended, and 6 others arrested and charged with offenses of inciting people to commit crime and breaching peace.

The police spokeswoman said several other suspects were released on bail.

Earlier, Minister of Home Affairs Steven Kampyongo instructed police to not allow the dissents' rally over what he said their defiance of President Edgar Lungu's election victory.