…Police confirm arrests after violent clashes, arson, and property destruction at Chiwempala Market and Chikola Secondary School grounds

LUSAKA-(MaraviPost)-The Zambia Police Service has confirmed the arrest of five suspects in connection with a riot and arson incident that rocked Chingola District on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

According to Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba, the incident occurred at around 14:50 hours during President Hakainde Hichilema’s visit to Chingola in the Copperbelt Province.

An irate mob reportedly turned violent during the President’s address, breaking into shops, looting, and attacking police officers who attempted to restore order.

In the chaos that ensued, a police vehicle, a white Toyota Land Cruiser registration number ZP 2537 B, was overturned and set on fire by the mob.

The violence also led to the burning of the presidential holding tent belonging to Events Matters Company of Lusaka, along with a floor carpet, two carpet runners, a presidential portrait, and a coffee table owned by the Lusaka Provincial Maintenance Unit.

A portable toilet owned by Chrisai Company of Lusaka was also destroyed, while an Isuzu vehicle, registration number CAE 5930, had its windscreen smashed by the rioters.

The police said the total value of the damaged property has not yet been established as investigations into the full extent of the destruction continue.

Two suspects, identified as Abraham Chilumbu, aged 24, of Chiwempala Township, and Abraham Sichone, aged 21, of Mjomba Compound, were the first to be arrested and charged with arson.

Three additional suspects — James Banda, aged 30, of R-Section; Arnold Mbewe, aged 22, of Maiteneke Compound; and Jackson Mbulo, aged 25, of Lufwanyama Road — were later apprehended, bringing the total number of those arrested to five.

All five suspects are currently in police custody awaiting their court appearance.

Inspector General Musamba assured the public that calm has since been restored in Chingola following the deployment of police reinforcements to maintain law and order.

He warned that acts of violence, looting, and destruction of property would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The Inspector General emphasized that the police will ensure that all perpetrators are identified, pursued, and brought to justice without exception.

Mr. Musamba further urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement officers as investigations continue.

He reminded citizens that while the peaceful expression of opinions is a constitutional right, violence and lawlessness have no place in a democratic society.

The Chingola incident has sparked public concern over the rising trend of violent protests in Zambia, prompting calls for stronger community engagement and improved crowd control measures during high-profile events.

Authorities have since vowed to tighten security and ensure that future presidential engagements across the country are conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.

The Maravi Post