Police say security reinforced after political violence grips Mazabuka, Chawama, Kabwe

The Zambia Police Service says it has reinforced security deployments and intensified operations in Mazabuka Central, Chawela and Kabwe Central constituencies following recent incidents of political violence and public disorder. Inspector General of Police, Graphe Musamba, said the operations were aimed at identifying and apprehending individuals involved in the violence, with patrols and police visibility increased in key areas. Musamba said this in a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday to update citizens and electoral stakeholders on measures being taken to restore and maintain law and order.

He stressed the intent behind the interventions, emphasising that the security measures were not intended to infringe on the constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of assembly and association. “They are instead aimed at ensuring a safe, secure, and conducive electoral environment for all political actors and stakeholders, free from violence, intimidation, and related threats,” Musamba said. He said the police were working closely with the Electoral Commission of Zambia to ensure strict compliance with campaign regulations and schedules.

“The objective is to restore normalcy and create conditions that will allow the resumption of campaign activities in a secure environment for residents of Mazabuka and the nation at large,” he said. In Chawama Constituency, Lusaka Province, recent violence involved suspected supporters of the United Party for National Development and the Tonse Alliance. Investigations led to the arrest of five suspects for aggravated robbery, assault on police officers, unlawful wounding and malicious damage to property.

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Musamba highlighted the need for vigilance across the electoral period and assured the public that calm had been restored in all affected areas through sustained security operations. “The service remains vigilant and committed to safeguarding peace and security throughout the electoral period,” he said. Security has been reinforced in Chawama through intensified patrols and increased manpower to deter further criminal activities and ensure public safety and Police operations remain ongoing to apprehend additional suspects linked to the incidents.

In Kabwe Central Constituency, Central Province, six suspects have been arrested for proposing violence following an incident on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Chowa Police Station around 16:00 hours. Police claim.

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