The Zambian embassy in South Africa on Thursday dismissed reports that 39 of its citizens were killed in xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The embassy said no deaths of any Zambian national has been recorded in attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa.
“It is regrettable that some of the social media reports circulating have not been verified as they are false and alarming,” the embassy said in a statement. “The mission would like to urge social media to stop spreading false news so as not to alarm the public.”
It said one Zambian national was attacked and injured but has been discharged from hospital after treatment.
The embassy is investigating reports that another Zambian truck driver was attacked, the statement said.
The mission has since cautioned Zambians living in South Africa to continue being vigilant and not to compromise their safety and security.
