Violence Erupts Between Ruling Party and Tonse Alliance Supporters in Lumezi

Violence broke out between supporters of the ruling party and the Tonse Alliance in Lumezi Constituency, with police describing the clashes as “50/50” from both sides. The altercation occurred at Lumezi Trading Centre following a confrontation between Tonse Alliance and UPND supporters, resulting in several injuries and police intervention. However, officials confirmed that the violence did not extend to the nomination centre.

Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba reported the incident, stating that both factions claimed to have been attacked. “Yes, there were fights where both groupings were assaulted; we sorted out that issue,” Mweemba said. “People shouldn’t dramatise issues. From both parties, there were some injuries.” He emphasised that reports of the violence had been exaggerated.

Despite the unrest, six candidates successfully filed their nominations for the upcoming Lumezi by-election. The list includes Goodson Banda, the New Congress Party candidate under Tonse Alliance, Lufeyo Ngoma of UPND, Wiseman Mvula for Citizens First, Isaiah Banda under UPPZ, Nebby Manda for Leadership Movement, and independent candidate Pilila Mwanza, who served as Lumezi MP in 2016.

Tonse Alliance candidate Goodson Banda condemned the violence and called for a peaceful campaign season. “We want campaigns which are going to be violence-free. We are not here to kill one another, we are brothers,” he said. Banda also highlighted the importance of leadership and communication in the rural constituency.

UPND candidate Lufeyo Ngoma expressed his commitment to serving the people of Lumezi. “I am very much committed to providing service to the people of Lumezi. As you are aware as well, Lumezi has been without a leader for a long time, an absentee leader, and they have been very eager to see change. And change has come now,” he said.

Ngoma also stressed that his party does not tolerate violence. “The ruling party is a peaceful party, and we will not condone any violence. We want to run this campaign smoothly, without any injury, without any trouble with anyone, and we want to do it like it is supposed to be,” he added.