Mushimba blames police leadership for stalling political rally in Mazabuka, demands violence-free polls

Organised People’s Party (OPP) president, Dr. Brian Mushimba, has condemned police actions to disrupt the political campaign launch for Mazabuka Central Independent candidate Gary Nkombo, urging accountability from the Zambia Police command.

A planned campaign rally by Nkombo, was on Sunday halted after a heavy deployment of police officers blocked the gathering at Ndeke Community Football Ground.

The rally, which was intended to officially launch Nkombo’s campaign, failed to take place after police ordered supporters and residents who had gathered at the venue to disperse and later fired teargas canisters at the venue.

Mushimba told Zambia Monitor that the conduct captured even on social media through videos had disturbed many Zambians but noted that officers operated under directives from senior command.

“I think everyone is disturbed by the police action as seen in those videos. But what must be understood is that the police work under instructions,” he stated.

Mushimba argued that condemnation of the incidents should go all the way up the command rather than stopping at frontline officers.

“And as political leaders, we call on the police command to be fair, understanding, unifying and protecting as they carry out their duties during this period,” he said.

Mushimba emphasized the need for a violence and incident free campaign leading up to the August 13, 2026 general elections.

“We want a violence and incident free campaign leading up to elections and the police have a duty and responsibility to ensure environment and not be used to disadvantage participants in this election process,” he stated.

Speaking to the media after the rally was disrupted, Nkombo expressed disappointment at the turn of events, claiming that he had informed the police in the area about the rally and it was approved by the Commanding Officer.

“I was saying that everybody saw for themselves what happened. Police decided to come and interfere with our campaign program because my candidate together with the other socialist party agreed that we hold the launch together,” Nkombo said.

He claimed one of his supporters got injured in the process of dispersing and police firing teargas canisters.

“One of my colleagues is injured by teargas Canisters which was coming for me. Then Yes an injury occure which was not necessary,” Nkombo said.

Earlier, the Zambia Police Service in Mazabuka central said it had received information indicating that some individuals may be planning activities capable of disturbing public peace, safety, and order within the district.

Southern Province Police Commanding Officer Moono Namalongo reminded members of the public that the right to assemble and participate in lawful public activities was protected by law.

“However, organisers of public gatherings are urged to comply with all applicable legal requirements and to cooperate with Police to ensure public safety and orderly conduct,” Namalongo said.

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