Police hunt KItwe riots masterminds

INVESTIGATIONS into the riot which resulted in looting of some Chinese shops in Kitwe on Monday will be extended to those suspected of orchestrating the criminal acts, Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja has said. And Mr Kanganja has warned the public, political parties and any other groupings to desist from engaging in criminal acts as they risked being prosecuted. He said investigations into the Kitwe incident would not only focus on criminal elements that took part in the riot, but would be extended to all those suspected to have orchestrated the falsehood which led to the disturbance. Mr Kanganja said the investigations would also tackle people issuing racial and discriminatory remarks which were likely to propagate xenophobic attacks. He said the conduct by those behind the riots in Kitwe would not be condoned by police, therefore all those that had a hand in it would face the wrath of the law. He advised to the general public to always verify any information before taking any action and always follow the legally laid down procedures before act. “Section 67 of Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia criminalises any act of publishing false news whether orally or in writing or any statement, rumour or report which is likely to cause fear and alarm to the public or to disturb public peace. “Further, section 70 of the same Act prohibits any person from expressing or showing hatred, ridicule or contempt for persons on the basis of their race, tribe, and place of origin or colour,” said Mr Kanganja