Death of businesspeople sparks tensions against Chinese
The murder of three Chinese businessmen in Zambia last week has rekindled tensions against the country’s strong Chinese presence, local media reported.
According to the same source, the three businessmen allegedly were killed last weekend by their own employees at the textile factory in Makeni, a suburb of the country’s capital, Lusaka, who are said to have revolted against the harsh working conditions. .
“We arrested two suspects and found the body of the third murdered Chinese citizen in Makeni,” said Zambian police spokeswoman Esther Katongo on Wednesday.
Foreign Minister Joseph Malanji, speaking today to the French news agency AFP, lamented the violence.
“These murders sadden us, it is unfortunate, it is barbaric and I am sure the police will do everything to resolve them,” said Malanji.
These murders come days after Lusaka Mayor Miles Sampa decided last week to close a Chinese restaurant that refused entry to a Zambian citizen married to a Chinese woman.
