Men freed after Zambian mine shootings

Charges have been quietly dropped against two Chinese managers accused of shooting coal miners during a labour dispute. According to court records seen by reporters in Livingstone yesterday, Judge Ernest Mukulwamutiyo freed the managers last Friday after prosecutor Chalwe Mchenga informed the court he was not going to prosecute. He gave no reason.

Collum Coal Mine has agreed to pay victims compensation of $4,000 to $9,500. Rayford Mbulo, president of the Mineworkers Union of Zambia, called the dropping of charges "regrettable".