Police say 4 suspects arrested over Chawama political violence

The Zambia Police Service has confirmed the apprehension of four suspects in connection with the recent violence that occurred in Lusaka’s Chawama Compound. Police Spokesperson, Godfrey Chilabi identified the suspects as Ricky Chambawilo, 43, Thomas Mvula, 41, Peter Mwaba, 42, and Rickson Phiri, 46. In a press statement issued on Tuesday, Chilabi said all four suspects were residents of Lusaka and were on the police wanted list in connection with the political violence that occurred in John Howard area of Chawama on 5 June 2026.

“The suspects are wanted in connection with offences, including aggravated robbery, malicious damage to property, assault, and unlawful wounding,” he stated. Brief facts of the matter were that the suspects were part of a group involved in the political violence in Chawama. “The suspects were apprehended at Protea Hotel in Chipata on June 9, 2026, among a group of individuals who had gathered outside the hotel,” he said.

Chilabi said the suspects were tracked and apprehended while in Chipata, Eastern Province, far from the Lusaka crime scene. The four suspects remain in police custody and are awaiting formal charges as investigations continue. The arrests come four days after the June 5 incident in John Howard area that involved political violence, property damage and injuries.

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The four suspects remain in police custody and are awaiting formal charges. 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.

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