‘Three Mansa Riot Victims Were Innocent’

13 May 2011

THE Human Rights Commission (HRC) has said the three people killed in Mansa by unknown people on suspicion of ritual killings were innocent of the alleged crime.

In its report after concluding investigations into the disturbances from April 19 to 24, precipitated by persistent rumours that some successful business executives were involved in ritual murders that occurred in Mansa, the HRC stated that the persons killed were innocent.

In a statement released in Lusaka yesterday, HRC spokesperson, Samuel Kasankha advised Zambians to follow the standard human rights and legal processes as provided for by local and international laws in places where people had evidence that ritual murders or similar unacceptable practices had taken place.

The commission also urged Zambians to discard any cultural practices, including those that led to the termination of people’s lives without subjecting them to the due process of the law.

Mr Kasankha said riots by their nature tended to cause destruction to property of people who were unrelated to the issues people may be aggrieved about.

“All have the right to own property as this will lead to the enjoyment of other rights, including the right to an adequate standard of living,” he said.

Mr Kasankha said irrational actions like riots should not be used to deprive others of their rights, and reiterated the commission’s stand that those who rioted or caused riots were a threat to public order, security of the nation as well as to the enjoyment of human rights by others and that police should pursue them in accordance with the dictates of the law.

The commission called on the police to exercise restraint and instead use alternative methods like tear-gas or water cannons when handling incidents such as riots.

During the investigations, Mr Kasankha said the commission found in police custody, evidence of looted property.

He said damaged shops, a burnt minibus and marks of burnt tyres, fridges, sofas and bicycles were also discovered during the investigations.

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