48 arrested after Zambian riots
From correspondents in Lusaka, Zambia
06sep05
ZAMBIAN police have arrested 48 people in connection with riots and the burning of vehicles and properties in the aftermath of a World Cup qualifier.
Police chief Ephraim Mateyo said in statement that police have charged 14 fans with arson while 34 others have been slapped with charges of causing malicious damage to property after the 1-0 loss to Senegal.
He said the value of destroyed property has not yet been calculated because most of the owners - Senegalese nationals living in Zambia - are still in hiding.
"All the 48 accused persons will appear in court soon. However, investigations into the matter are still going on," said chief Mateyo.
Zambian fans from Kitwe, a mining town about 400km north of Lusaka, went on the rampage on Saturday in protest at the defeat.
Police said more than 800 irate fans beat up Senegalese nationals, stoned a mosque and smashed windscreens of vehicles that were suspected to have been owned by them.
The defeat ended Zambia's chances of qualifying for next year's finals in Germany.