Zambian riots leave one dead
2007-07-25 15:33
Lusaka - One person was shot dead and several were injured after Zambian police used live bullets to quell a riot by protesters against police harassment of taxi drivers, said police on Wednesday.
Police spokesperson Bonny Kapeso said the riots on Tuesday evening were sparked after a taxi overturned - causing a serious accident - while being chased by police after it contravened traffic regulations.
He said: "A stray bullet hit one person who died. Twelve others sustained serious injuries and are currently in hospital."
Local residents turned on police, pelting them with stones and smashing their car windows.
Kapeso said disciplinary measures would be taken against the officers who fired the shots.
He said the situation was contained after about two hours of running battles with the irate residents who also blocked some roads in the city centre during the riots.