Mob Violence: Zambian president accuses religious leaders

The President of Zambia, Edgar Lungu, has blamed the recent spate of mob attacks in the country on church officials and traditional leaders.

At least 50 people were murdered in the mob attacks that have targeted people accused of involvement in a series of mysterious assaults with a chemical spray that has harmed well over 1,000 Zambians since December and caused public panic.

According to the BBC, several children and adults have been left unconscious the spray; raising speculation that the assailants seek to use the victims' blood for witchcraft.

The attacks were initially confined to the mineral-rich Copperbelt province but have since spread to the capital Lusaka.

Hundreds have been arrested in connection with the vigilante revenge attacks.

BBC