Police arrest Tonse Alliance member over alleged voter card collection in Vubwi
Police in Eastern Province have arrested a man believed to be a Tonse Alliance member after he allegedly persuaded 36 registered voters in Vubwi to surrender their voter’s cards in exchange for UPND party regalia.
Vubwi, 12 August – The suspect, identified as Stanley Banda of Chikoma 2 Village in Chief Pembamoyo, Vubwi District, was arrested after a complaint was lodged at Vubwi Police Station on Wednesday, 11 August 2026.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba said the incident allegedly took place on 25 July in Zozwe Ward, Vubwi Constituency.
According to police, Banda and his alleged accomplice, Jacob Mwanza of Kalikwembe Village, approached residents and persuaded them to mobilise registered voters on their behalf.
The two men allegedly told the voters that their voter’s cards would be exchanged for UPND party regalia, which police described as a false promise.
Mweemba said 36 registered voters were subsequently mobilised and surrendered their voter’s cards.
“Thirty-six voter’s cards were collected from people in the Vubwi area,” he said.
Police said investigations were launched after UPND District Campaign Manager Given Miti, 39, of Vubwi Town Centre, reported the matter.
Banda was subsequently picked up and detained to assist with investigations.
His alleged accomplice, Mwanza, remains at large and is believed to be in possession of the 36 voter’s cards.
Police have since opened a docket in the matter, while Banda is expected to appear in court soon.
The case comes as Zambia heads towards the 13 August general elections, with authorities and political parties closely monitoring alleged violations of electoral laws and practices that could interfere with voters’ rights.
Police have not indicated whether the 36 voter’s cards have been recovered.
-Nkanionline 2026 #NewsOnDemand