39 Zambian nationals killed in violent attacks in SA false news, no Zambian has died-Nyawali

The Zambian High Commission in South Africa has dispelled social media reports suggesting that 39 Zambian nationals have been killed in violent attacks against foreign nationals in that country.

In a statement made available to Q-News, first secretary for press and public relations at the Zambian mission in Pretoria, Naomi Nyawali says no Zambian has been killed as a result of the violence in South Africa.

Mrs Nyawali says the mission regrets the false and alarming unverified reports circulating on social, and has urged social media enthusiasts not to cause public alarm by spreading fake news.

She has since advised the public to follow updates on the current situation in South Africa from official statements issued by the Zambian Mission in Pretoria or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to avoid being misled or being fed with fake news.

Mrs Nyawali has emphasized that so far, only one incident involving Daniel Lupiya was officially recorded and that the victim was discharged from Gemiston Hospital on the same day after being treated for the injuries he sustained.

She adds that the mission is actively pursuing reports that another Zambian truck driver identified as Siachingi Sialubaya working for a named cross-border trucking company registered in Zambia was attacked in KwaZulu Natal province.

Mrs Nyawali states that the Mission maintains its earlier advice to Zambians living in South Africa to continue being extra cautious in order not to compromise their safety and security.