Thirteen Arrested After Attack on President Hichilema at Chingola Rally

Thirteen people have been arrested after President Hakainde Hichilema was targeted during a campaign rally in Chingola. A mob stoned the President, triggering riots and an arson incident at Chiwempala Market. The violent disruption endangered the President’s life and prompted immediate arrests.

During a press briefing at the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security headquarters in Lusaka on Monday morning, Minister Hon. Jack Mwiimbu reported that the number of arrests had risen from five to thirteen over forty-eight hours. He emphasised that the incident was intolerable and that the police and security services would hold the perpetrators to account.

Mwiimbu reiterated that the Government remains open to dialogue when citizens wish to raise issues but will not tolerate lawlessness from any group.

Mongu Central Member of Parliament Oliver Amutike condemned the attack as “more than evil” and “a treasonous act of political terrorism, a direct assault on our democracy and the very office that embodies our nation’s will.” In his statement, Mr Amutike described President Hichilema as “our life, our hope and our economic compass” and called him “the architect of our nation’s recovery” who was “brave enough to clean up the filth and corruption left by previous failed regimes.”

He added that the attack was not only on the President but also on “the future of every Zambian citizen who benefits from his unprecedented developmental reforms.” Mr Amutike highlighted that the President is helping to improve the lives of citizens across Zambia, such as increasing the Constituency Development Fund to K40 million. He warned that the state would respond firmly to any such threats: “We will not allow him to be subjected to danger. Let this be a final warning to all who would threaten our peace: the full, unyielding force of the state will be unleashed upon you.”

However, the handling of the visit has drawn some criticism. Fred M’membe, President of the Socialist Party, argued that Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo, who was “supposed to prepare for Mr Hakainde Hichilema’s visit,” should have cross-checked and properly analysed the political situation before taking the President to that rally.