Leadership Movement alleges Zambian police has become a tool in the hands of ruling UPND

Leadership Movement (LM) Party leader, Dr. Richard Silumbe, has expressed concern over what he described as the weaponisation of law enforcement agencies in Zambia.

Silumbe accused the police of intimidating citizens, particularly young people, for exercising their constitutional rights to assemble and associate.

He cited the recent arrest of two party members in Mtendere as an example of the alleged intimidation of opposition members by the police.

He said the continued arrest of individuals for exercising their rights, especially opposition members and government critics, should come to an end.

“The police has been weaponised by the ruling party to ensure that no voice is heard. So even when young people are expressing their rights to wear the regalia that they want to wear and to move from one place to the other, they are being intimidated, they are being arrested,” Silumbe said.

He urged the government to “sober up” and called on the police to act professionally and focus on legitimate crime rather than targeting people who posed no harm.

Meanwhile, Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, confirmed the arrest of two LM members in Mtendere on October 14, 2025, for alleged idle and disorderly conduct.

Hamoonga said that at about 18:00 hours, police received a report from a concerned member of the public that a group of youths was marching toward PHI Mall within the Mtendere area while carrying reddish flags and wearing white T-shirts inscribed “Vote for Richard Silumbe for President 2026.”

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“A team of police officers was immediately dispatched to follow up the report. Upon seeing the officers, the group of youths scampered in different directions. However, two suspects were apprehended and identified as Steven Nyendwa, aged 30, of House No. 853, New Chilenje, and James Shamuzili, aged 20, of CH 10, Mtendere Compound,” Hamoonga said.

He added that police recovered two reddish flags, a white T-shirt bearing the same inscription, a black beret, and two caps with a logo featuring Dr. Silumbe’s portrait.

Hamoonga said the duo are currently in custody while investigations continue.

“The Zambia Police Service would like to remind members of the public to always abide by the provisions of the law when conducting any form of public procession,” Hamoonga stated.

He warned that unlawful processions or conduct likely to cause public disorder would not be tolerated.

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