Riots erupt in Zambian capital over cholera curfew

Riots in the capital Lusaka on Friday left eight police officers injured.

Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja told reporters the riots started in Kanyama, one of the largest illegal settlements in the capital, where police went to shut down an illegal market.

Police was acting on a decree which prohibits large gatherings as a measure to control the spread of cholera.

He added that protesters are demanding the immediate opening of the Central Business Area (CBA) and other markets to enable business activities.

The rioters set ablaze a garbage truck and destroyed public and private property, he said.

Police used teargas and live ammunition to disperse protesters.

Some residents however blamed government failure to provide safe drinking water as the reason for the cholera outbreak.

“Stopping people from doing business will not stop the spread of cholera to places outside Lusaka,” said 45-year-old Stanley Mwanza who is leading the protest.

He added the people wanted the curfew imposed on them since three days to be lifted.

Home Affairs Minister Steven Kampyongo has directed the police chief to ensure that the situation brought under control.

"Arrest the people behind the riots and bring them to book," he told journalists this afternoon.