More arrests made in the aftermath of Chingola riots, as 13 detained

The number of suspects arrested in connection with Saturday’s riot and arson incident in Chingola’s Chiwempala Market has risen from five to 13 within 48 hours, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, has announced.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka on Monday morning, Mwiimbu described the incident—where an unruly mob disrupted President Hakainde Hichilema’s address—as “totally unacceptable” and a serious threat to the life of the Head of State.

He said security agencies were conducting thorough investigations to identify both the perpetrators and their possible sponsors, revealing that preliminary findings indicated the violence was orchestrated.

“The motive behind this act is yet to be established, but let me make it clear that the New Dawn government will not tolerate lawlessness from any quarter,” Mwiimbu said.

The minister added that the government remained open to dialogue and urged citizens to engage through lawful channels whenever they have issues requiring attention.

Mwiimbu assured the public that the Zambia Police Service and other security wings were taking decisive action to ensure that all those behind the Chiwempala disturbances are brought to justice.

On Saturday, Hichilema abandoned a scheduled presidential address at the recently gutted Chiwempala Market in Chingola after unruly illegal miners started throwing stones at the podium.

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