Tensions soar after Chinese nationals murdered

Police in Zambia have arrested three people suspected of murdering three Chinese nationals. The suspects are accused of dragging the bodies into a factory and setting it alight. Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo has promised a full investigation into last Sunday's ‘barbaric’ crime at the Chinese-owned Blue Star clothing factory. The attack comes amid a controversial crackdown in the capital, Lusaka, on Chinese businesses accused of discriminating against Zambians. BBC News reports that Chinese factory managers have been accused of forcing employees to sleep at work to stop the spread of coronavirus. Lusaka Mayor Miles Sampa has been leading an operation to close Chinese-owned businesses, including barber shops and restaurants, after locals complained about discrimination. Zambia's Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji has attempted to reassure foreign investors, saying ‘this is something regrettable’. The Global Times reports that the Chinese Embassy condemned the ‘appalling and vicious act of violence’ and demanded that the Zambian authorities resolve the matter.