FIVE ARRESTED IN THE CHINGOLA STONNING INCIDENT
The Zambia Police Service wishes to inform the nation that on 8th November, 2025 at about 14:50 hours, a riot and arson incident occurred at Chiwempala market and Chikola Secondary School grounds in Chingola District, Copperbelt Province.
This incident was reported to Chingola central police station at 15:50 hours by Superintendent Lloyd Kanondo, aged 48 years, a police officer based at Copperbelt division headquarters.
He reported that a police motor vehicle, white Toyota land cruiser registration number ZP 2537 B, was burnt by an irate mob that turned riotous during the presidential visit.Background and sequence of eventsOn the said date, the Republican President and Commander-In-Chief of the Defence Force, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, visited Chingola District and was addressing residents at Chiwempala market.
At about 14:00 hours, while the address was ongoing, some unruly members of the public began breaking into shops and looting. When police officers intervened to restore order, the crowd became violent and started advancing towards the area where the president was addressing the gathering.In the interest of security, the president was immediately whisked away and escorted to the landing pad at Chikola Secondary School grounds.
However, the mob pursued the Presidential motorcade and continued throwing stones at the vehicles near the helicopter take-off point.
During this unrest, a police motor vehicle, Toyota land cruiser registration number ZP 2537 B, which was positioned at the rear of the convoy, was pelted with stones, its windscreen shattered, and later overturned and set ablaze.
Superintendent Kanondo, who was the driver, attempted to disperse the crowd by firing ten (10) warning shots into the air, but the mob persisted. Additionally, the mob set ablaze the presidential holding tent belonging to events matters company of Lusaka, together with one floor carpet, two carpet runners, one presidential portrait, and one coffee table belonging to the Lusaka provincial maintenance unit.
They also burnt a portable toilet belonging to Chrisai company of Lusaka and smashed the windscreen of a motor vehicle, Isuzu registration number CAE 5930, owned by Mr. Chisha Musonda, who was transporting the portable toilet.
The total value of the damaged property is yet to be determined.Arrests and ongoing investigationsIn the initial phase of investigations, two (2) suspects were apprehended and identified as:Abraham Chilumbu, aged 24 years, unemployed, of house no. 24, isunge road, chiwempala township, chingola; andAbraham Sichone, aged 21 years, a bar attendant of mjomba compound, chingola south.Both suspects were charged and detained for arson and are expected to appear in court soon.Following further investigations, police have arrested three (3) additional suspects, bringing the total number of arrests to five (5).
These are:James Banda, aged 30 years, of r-section, chingola;Arnold Mbewe, aged 22 years, of maiteneke compound, chingola; andJackson Mbulo, aged 25 years, of no. 2 lufwanyama road, chingola.All the three (3) have been detained in police custody pending court proceedings.
Current situationThe situation in chingola has since been brought under control, and calm has been restored following the swift response by the police. Reinforcements have been deployed to maintain law and order and to prevent any further disturbances
Warning to the public
The Zambia Police Service wishes to sternly warn all would-be offenders that acts of violence, riotous behavior, and destruction of property will not be tolerated.
The police will continue to pursue and arrest anyone found involved in the riot until all perpetrators are brought to book.We further appeal to members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement officers as investigations continue. Peaceful expressions of opinions remain a constitutional right, but violence and lawlessness have no place in our society.
ISSUED BY:
GRAPHEL C. MUSAMBA
INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE
ZAMBIA POLICE SERVICE
DATE: 9TH NOVEMBER, 2025
5 arrested, 45,000 to go. Well done UPND police. Tanzania formula is being implemented.
REJECT TRIBALISM, CORRUPTION AND OPPRESSION.
VOTE FOR CHANGE IN 2026.
Careful with your sarcasm. Are you implying you have the list of 45,000 people? These are no joking matters my friend. Can you kindly make this clear for your sake.
You mouth will lead you into trouble very soon. Ask Zulu and Raphael.
Zambia, a country where Ruffians and Imbeciles are treated with Kid Gloves and like Royalty. Ask Putin in Russia, how Dissent is handled
Anyone found guilty of causing confusion and attacking the president must be held accountable, and investigations need to be ramped up. Tolerating the rude and disorderly conduct witnessed in Chingola is simply unacceptable.
Such chaos was orchestrated, and those responsible for these heinous acts should face harsh penalties. It is regrettable that certain opposition political parties are pleased and celebrating the turmoil that occurred in Chingola.
TO CLEAN UP THE MESS THAT PF LEFT.
Down Memory lane…
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu ‘s motorcade Stoned and President insulted in Kyawama Solwezi 12th September, 2015.
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu Booed and stoned in Monze in 2020.
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu ‘s motorcade blocked by supporters carrying the UPND President Hakainde Hichilema.2019
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu Booed at Heroes Stadium during the Inauguration Ceremony of the 7th President Hakainde Hichilema. 2025
Look at your self in the mirror, and what do you see?
Typo…2021 on last item.
The parents and guardians must advise their children not to be used in barbaric acts.The action of stoning the President is very disturbing.This must not happen again.Respect is needed in this country.The thuggery, barbaric behavior must not be tolerated again.The silly chaps were just lucky but may not be lucky next time.That behavior is not due to hunger, or any thing but possibly being sent by some irresponsible elders.The President has attended to a good number of his promises and he has not stopped to attend to other promises.The power supply that is erratic must not be blamed on government but a drought effect.We have been depending too much on hydro power for so long.The President and his government is making a change to this by introducing other sources of energy.The burning of market must be examined and interventions must take place to avoid further loses on property.The security systems, and installation of fire extinguishers as well as electrical connections must be enhanced in all markets throughout the country.This must happen even to other business places.We must all be alert and be observant of our environment and conduct of some people in our society.