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Police authorities say they have apprehended two people involved in the burning of police patrol vans during a riot that left a trail of distruction of property.
Zambia Monitor had reported how incensed illegal miners commonly known as Jerabos started throwing stones in the direction of President Hakainde Hichilema while he addressed traders whose goods were lost in the inferno in Chingola on Saturday.
Zambia police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed the development saying a white Toyota Land Cruiser was burnt by an irate mob that turned riotous during the presidential visit.
He said, “Brief Facts are that the district earlier in the day received the Republican President, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, who was addressing residents at Chiwempala Market. At around 1400 hours, as the President was still addressing the public, some unruly individuals began breaking into and looting shops.
“When police officers moved in to contain the situation, the crowd became violent and started charging towards the venue where the President was speaking. For security reasons, the President was safely whisked away and escorted to the landing pad at Chikola Secondary School grounds.
“However, the violent mob followed the Presidential motorcade, throwing stones at vehicles. In the process, the police Toyota Land Cruiser was attacked, its windscreen completely shattered before being overturned and set ablaze.”
“Additionally, the mob burnt the Presidential Holding Tent belonging to Events Matters Company of Lusaka, including one floor carpet, two carpet runners, one Presidential portrait, and one coffee table for Lusaka Provincial Maintenance. They also burnt a portable toilet belonging to Chrisai Company of Lusaka and shattered window screens of motor vehicle Isuzu registration number CAE 5930 belonging to Mr. Chisha Musonda, who had transported the portable toilet,” he added, saying, “Superintendent Kanondo, who was driving the vehicle, discharged 10 rounds of pistol ammunition into the air in an effort to disperse the mob, but to no avail.”
Police named the arrested suspects as Abraham Chilumbu, 24, and Abraham Sichone, 21, a bar attendant from Mjomba Compound, Chingola.
“Both suspects are in police custody and will appear in court soon, and calm has since been restored in Chingola, with police intensifying patrols to ensure the situation remains under control,” Moonga added.
The violence prompted the President to abandon his scheduled address, and the Zambia Police Service issued a stern warning against vandalism and destruction of property.
“Citizens are further reminded that maintaining peace and order is a collective responsibility, and violence only undermines development efforts and endangers lives,” Moonga cautioned.
Governance and Development Advocates Zambia (Godaza) executive director, Elias Mulenga, condemned the actions of the Chingola youths.
“The behaviour exhibited today in the afternoon, stoning or throwing stones at the sitting Head of State, is not Zambian and not Patriotic. The citizenry of this country needs to respect the office of the President as it is the highest office in the country,” Mulenga said.
He described the incident as an embarrassment to Zambia and the international community, saying it dented the nation’s symbol of peace.
“As Godaza, we wish to call upon the Zambia Police and security wings to intensively investigate this issue and bring the culprits to book so that it can serve as an example to would-be offenders,” he added.
Hichilema also posted a statement on his official Facebook page on Saturday evening, reflecting on the incident.
“Fellow citizens, this afternoon we took time to address our people in Chingola’s Chiwempala area following the unfortunate event that saw the biggest market burning to ashes here on the Copperbelt. Our people also raised very pertinent issues affecting them in regards to the mine and their desire to continue mining at Senseli.
“The message is loud and clear and we will work round the clock and ensure that this is done. We are determined more than ever before to turn around our people’s lives even amidst these challenges. We shall do so lawfully. Once more, thank you to the people of Chiwempala,” the President wrote.
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