PF Member arrested in Mpulungu for allegedly smashing police officer’s vehicle during youth day event

Police in Mpulungu have arrested a suspected Patriotic Front (PF) member for allegedly smashing the windscreen of a police officer’s vehicle during clashes with supporters of the United Party for National Development (UPND), authorities said on Friday. Northern Province Police Commanding Officer, Simunji Mulonda, said the incident was reported by Inspector Chanda, who claimed that Firststone Simbeya, aged 39, deliberately damaged the windscreen of his Toyota Mark X, valued at 2,000 kwacha, using a stone. According to police, the incident occurred around 09:00 hours when Inspector Chanda had parked his vehicle at Pink Bar while performing national duties during Youth Day celebrations.

Tensions arose later around 10:45 hours when alleged UPND youths reportedly refused to allow PF youths wearing party regalia to participate in a match pass unless they displayed Tonse Alliance regalia. Mulonda said that after the match pass at 11:13 hours, alleged PF youths threw stones at UPND youths, and Simbeya allegedly picked up a stone and smashed the police vehicle windscreen. The suspect was apprehended after a chase and is currently in police custody.

A docket has been opened, and he is expected to appear in court soon. “Youth Day celebrations were generally peaceful due to the preparedness of the Police in all districts in the Province to maintain law and order, which began with motorized and foot patrols on the eve of the Youth Day celebrations,” Mulonda said. He urged youths to exhibit peaceful conduct daily, noting they were “the leaders of tomorrow.” Chairperson, and Councillor positions from March 9 to March 31, 2026. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.