Zambia questions Chinese over shooting of miners

LUSAKA (Reuters) – Zambian police yesterday questioned two Chinese managers over the shooting and wounding of 11 miners protesting over pay and conditions, an official said.

Sinazongwe district commissioner Oliver Pelete told Reuters that police had recorded statements from the two managers at Chinese-owned Collum Mine Ltd., about 325 km (200 miles) south of Lusaka, in connection with Friday’s shooting. “The police have opened a case record and are now awaiting the advice of the director of public prosecutions on whether to proceed with the case,” Pelete said.

Police said on Friday they were investigating whether people associated with the Chinese owners may have opened fire on the protesting miners when they confronted management.