2 soldiers charged in Zambia ritual murders

Two soldiers are among four people arrested and charged with ritual killings that hit Lusaka, the Zambian capital in recent months, the police said on Tuesday.

At least seven people were killed in the Zambian capital with body parts removed between March 16 and April 17 this year, a situation that caused residents to loot shops belonging to foreigners, mostly from Rwanda, after rumors that the owners were behind the killings to enhance their businesses.

Zambia Police Spokesperson Charity Munganga-Chanda said the four people have been charged with seven counts of murder.

The other two include a civilian working for the Zambia Air Force and a traditional doctor.

"All the murders which the accused have been charged with were committed in a similar manner by crushing the left side of the head, removing body parts and later dumping the deceased near their homes or a nearby drinking place. In all the incidences, a stone was found near the deceased's body," she said in a statement.

Initially, the police had arrested 12 people in connection with the macabre killings that shocked the Zambian capital and caused fear among residents.

(APD)