Over 100 arrested after tribal clashes disrupt Likumbi Lyamize traditional ceremony in Zambezi

Over 100 people have been reportedly arrested in Zambezi District of North-Western Province following violent clashes between Lundas and Luvales, police have confirmed.

Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga, said in a statement on Monday that the violence began when a group of Lundas attacked Luvales who had gathered to welcome a cyclist attending the Likumbi Lyamize Traditional Ceremony.

“The attackers also ambushed a rider from the welcoming procession, assaulted him, and set his motorcycle ablaze,” Hamoonga said.

He added that officers moved in swiftly to restore order but faced resistance as the attackers used bows and arrows against them.

During the operation, one person identified as Gibson Mbimbi, 20, the son of Headman Mbimbi, sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen from a stray bullet.

He was first rushed to Zambezi District Hospital before being referred to Chitokoloki Mission Hospital.

Violence continued as the Lundas engaged police with stones, pangas, bows, and arrows. About five houses belonging to Luvales were torched, while police recovered more than 30 bows, arrows, and spears from the scene.

“On Monday, August 18, the violence escalated when Lundas again attempted to attack Luvales leading Tundanjis,” Hamoonga said.

A combined team of Zambia Police officers, reinforced by the Paramilitary Unit, moved in and restored calm.

Police said 115 suspects were arrested, including 89 men, 20 women, two boys, and four girls. A number of offensive weapons were also recovered.

Hamoonga disclosed that one suspect, identified as Wesily Chinyama, 29, was struck by a rubber bullet on his right cheek and is in stable condition.

Three Zambia Police Toyota Land Cruisers were also damaged after their tyres were punctured by planks with nails deliberately planted on the road.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the violence was deliberately orchestrated by some members of the Lunda community to disrupt the Likumbi Lyamize Ceremony.

Hamoonga said the Zambia Police Service, in collaboration with other security wings, remain firmly on the ground in Zambezi to maintain law, order, and public safety.

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