By 
The Zambia Police Service has arrested a total of 17 people in connection with post-election incidents recorded in different parts of the country following the 13 August 2026 general elections.
In Matero, Lusaka Province, police have apprehended nine suspects in connection with the alleged murder of Lovemore Chishima, aged 57, a polling agent.
Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba told journalists in Lusaka on Friday that the suspects were currently in police custody and investigations are ongoing.
“Chishima was allegedly assaulted by a group of people at Kasamba Polling Station on 13 August 2026 and later died,” he said
In a separate operation, police also apprehended and detained six male suspects who were found in possession of offensive weapons.
The recoveries included nine machetes, 22 rounds of ammunition and a Toyota Land Cruiser motor vehicle bearing registration number BAD 8622.
Musamba said officers were currently looking for Roma Constituency Independent candidate, Sean Tembo, to assist with investigations.
In Kalomo, Southern Province, police arrested one suspect following an incident in which four people were assaulted, with one person sustaining a gunshot wound.
A firearm and ammunition were recovered and investigations are ongoing.
“The Zambia Police Service wishes to commend members of the public for the peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves during the 13th August, 2026 general elections,” Musamba said.
He said the Service also commends police officers and other law enforcement agencies for their professionalism, impartiality and dedication in maintaining law and order, as well as securing polling stations, voters, election officials and electoral materials.
Musamba noted that while the general conduct of the elections was peaceful, the Service recorded isolated incidents in Lusaka, Kalomo, Luwingu, Kasama, Isoka, Mafinga, Chingola, Mkushi and Kabompo.
“The Service appreciates the cooperation demonstrated by voters, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders throughout the polling process,” he stated.
In Kasama, Northern Province, police said they were investigating an incident in which a group of armed suspected National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity supporters attacked the residence of the Acting Permanent Secretary, Beauty Undi-Phiri, on 14 August and One suspect has since been apprehended and was in police custody.
Musamba said the Service was also investigating statements attributed to Binwell Mpundu, in which he stated that he was ready to kill and be killed.
He said such statements, if confirmed, have the potential to incite violence and cause public disorder and Mpundu had been advised to avail himself to police to assist with investigations.
“The Service is also investigating statements attributed to Mr. Binwell Mpundu, in which he stated that he was ready to kill and be killed. Such statements, if confirmed, have the potential to incite violence and cause public disorder,” the IG said.
Meanwhile, police today recorded incidents in which riotous mobs blocked roads in Chawama, parts of Kanyama compound and the Central Business District in Lusaka.
Police Officers have since been deployed to restore order and ensure the safety of members of the public.
Musamba further issued a stern warning to some local information technology experts allegedly working with foreign nationals with a view to committing cyber-security-related and seditious offences.
He warned that said the police would investigate and take appropriate action against any person found involved.
“As regards the announcement and declaration of results in the presidential election, Section 73 of the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016 vests this responsibility in the returning officer,” Musamba stated..
He advised candidates and other stakeholders to refrain from announcing or disseminating unverified results, as such actions have the potential to cause confusion and disrupt public peace and order.
Musamba assured the public that all incidents were receiving serious attention and that it will continue to pursue all persons suspected of having committed offences.
“The Service therefore calls on members of the public to remain calm, avoid violence and refrain from taking the law into their own hands,” he said.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments