DEVELOPING | Given Lubinda Abducted in Kabwe, Political Temperature Spikes
Patriotic Front Acting President Given Lubinda has been violently attacked and allegedly abducted in Kabwe this afternoon by individuals believed to be UPND cadres, according to PF sources and video footage circulating widely online.
The footage shows Lubinda being manhandled by a group of young men outside a building. Only one of the aggressors is wearing UPND-branded clothing, a detail now shaping public debate as competing narratives emerge about who is responsible and why the incident happened.
PF presidential aspirant Brian Mundubile was first to speak to the media, stating that Lubinda “has been attacked and abducted by suspected UPND cadres” and accusing the ruling party of unleashing political violence ahead of the PF convention.
Reactions from the opposition escalated quickly.
Citizens First leader Harry Kalaba condemned the assault, saying: “If you allow this thuggery and political abductions to continue, soon there will be no Zambia left for any of us to live in or for you to preside over.”
Reactions from the opposition escalated quickly.
Citizens First leader Harry Kalaba condemned the assault, saying: “If you allow this thuggery and political abductions to continue, soon there will be no Zambia left for any of us to live in or for you to preside over.”
DPP President Antonio Mwanza called it “a direct assault on the rule of law” and demanded immediate arrests.
The first ruling party official to respond was Kabwata MP Andrew Tayengwa, who pushed back sharply, saying:
“PF is a serious criminal organisation. Ba UPND wake up. People are using your regalia to commit serious crimes and you are quiet. These moves are well calculated to discredit this government.”
Tayengwa’s statement mirrors the view circulating within some UPND circles that the attack may be staged or carried out by PF factions themselves, taking advantage of rising tensions inside the party.
Across social media the public is divided. Some insist the violence is linked to this morning’s PF internal implosion, where former Secretary General Davies Mwila rejected Lubinda’s appointments of Dr Chitalu Chilufya and Chanda Katotombwe as illegal.
Others argue that the attack fits into a chain of political hostilities that followed the Chingola stoning of President Hakainde Hichilema.
A segment of commentators is openly suggesting the abduction could be part of PF’s internal war as the convention draws close.
Several posts accuse Lubinda of “rigging the upcoming vote” through last-minute appointments and claim rival factions may have acted out of anger.
Police have not yet issued a statement on the incident, despite the video spreading rapidly across platforms.
This is a developing story, and The People’s Brief is tracking all angles: the PF factional dynamics, the authenticity of the alleged UPND involvement, and the emerging security implications as the country heads toward a tense political year.
More updates to follow.
© The People’s Brief | Goran Handya
Footage of PF Acting President Hon. Given Lubinda’s abduction
If this story is true, then we have the reason to be concerned and worried. I don’t understand why the UPND Youths who have been responsible all along can suddenly turn into a violent group and start attacking PF facilities and PF leaders like Lubinda. What could be the motive behind? And why fighting a party which is already fighting itself? UPND cadres are not the right people fight Lubinda, the right people are the cadres from the rival factions within PF. The UPND SG, the Youth Chair ayangane po pa nkhani iyi ya ma Cada, this rubbish should stop.
Indeed if this ATTACK is really from my party, then I’m concerned. This violence should be left to PF
But where was the police? Police are to blame because they were sleeping. This nonsense can’t be tolerated whether from PF or UPND. The police must wake up, this is unacceptable.
It must be remembered that Zambians are symphathic and kind people. This type of actions only builds resentment and distrustful atitude.
If these alleged hooligans are proved to be coming from the ruling party. It means they have successfully made it very difficult for us to trust their sincerity regarding obeying the rule of law. Very disappointing.
Its PF thugs dressed in UPND regalia causing havoc on another faction within the PF. It can never be the UPND youths whose leader (Pres. HH)has consistently warned them that if they became violent they will be on their own. That directive still stands. PF are trying everything in their power to have a chance of sympathy vote in 2026. But it won’t work.
It’s the PF thugs dressed in UPND regalia causing havoc on another faction within the PF. It can never be the UPND youths whose leader (Pres. HH)has consistently warned them that if they became violent they will be on their own. That directive still stands. PF are trying everything in their power to have a chance of a sympathy vote in 2026. But it won’t work