Police arrest 27 in Chingola unrest probe

Police arrest 27 in Chingola unrest probe

The Government has moved swiftly to identify and apprehend individuals behind the violent disturbances in Chingola that left property damaged and several people injured over the weekend. Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu confirmed that security wings have intensified investigations and already arrested 27 suspects believed to be the ringleaders.

Mr Mwiimbu, who toured Chingola with senior security officials, described the incident as an organised breach of public order intended to incite lawlessness and undermine the rule of law. He said police recovered offensive materials, including catapults and crude weapons, used by the mob that clashed with officers.

“The Government will not tolerate such lawless conduct,” he said. “Those involved will face the full weight of the law. No one should imagine they can challenge the authority of the State through anarchy.”

He explained that the Ministry’s intelligence units were working around the clock to track down remaining suspects. “Security agencies are closing in on every individual who took part. We have footage and witness statements that will lead to further arrests,” he said.

According to Mr Mwiimbu, preliminary findings show that the rioters were mobilised through social-media groups and unfounded rumours concerning small-scale mining rights on the Copperbelt. “There is a tendency among some groups to spread false information suggesting ownership disputes at certain mining sites. That misinformation is what triggered this unnecessary confrontation,” he said.

Copperbelt Province police commander Peace Wamunza confirmed that officers were maintaining a heavy presence in and around Chingola to prevent a recurrence of violence. “We are continuing patrols and monitoring all identified flashpoints. The situation is under control,” she said.

She urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting anyone suspected of participating in the riots. “Communities must help us protect peace. The violence that took place endangered lives, including those of innocent bystanders,” Ms Wamunza said.

Mr Mwiimbu added that several suspects would appear in court soon, and warned that habitual trouble-makers who attempt to politicise criminal behaviour would not find sympathy. “Breaking the law cannot be justified by any political or economic grievance,” he said. “The Constitution provides lawful ways of addressing disputes. Violence is not one of them.”

He reminded citizens that the Government has a responsibility to safeguard life and property. “We will act decisively against anyone who threatens public safety. No group or individual is above the law,” he said.

The minister also used the opportunity to commend police officers for professionalism under difficult conditions. “You know your duty. Continue performing it with firmness but without fear or favour,” he told officers stationed in Chingola.

President Hakainde Hichilema, who was briefed on the situation, expressed concern about recurring acts of disorder and instructed the security services to ensure accountability. “Our Government believes in freedom, but freedom must operate within the law. Those who resort to violence will answer for their actions,” he said through his press aide.

Meanwhile, civic and religious leaders have condemned the unrest. In a joint statement, the Chingola District Clergy Fellowship said lawlessness was incompatible with the values of peace and dialogue. “We call on citizens to remain calm and allow justice to take its course,” the group stated.

On the opinion page of the same edition, veteran commentator Jack Kalala wrote that the violence had “no justification whatsoever,” describing the event as a reckless assault on the rule of law. He argued that grievances over employment or resource access could never legitimise anarchy. “Those who planned and executed this disturbance put the entire community at risk. Zambia’s democracy cannot thrive amid mob rule,” he wrote.

Kalala’s column reflected a wider national sentiment that political competition and economic hardship must not be used to excuse disorder. Social commentators have urged that all parties, whether supporters or critics of Government, must reject violence as a means of expression.

At the same time, residents interviewed by the Daily Mail said they welcomed the arrests but appealed for long-term engagement to address unemployment and youth frustration in the mining towns. One resident, Teddy Mutale, said: “People need jobs and dialogue, not stones and tear gas. But whoever organised the chaos should be punished.”

Business owners in Chingola’s central market area are counting their losses after several stalls were vandalised. “We lost goods worth thousands of kwacha,” said a trader who preferred anonymity. “We just want peace so we can work.”

By late Tuesday, calm had returned to the town. Police checkpoints remained in place as investigators traced individuals captured on video looting nearby shops. Authorities have promised compensation procedures once assessments of damage are completed.

The Chingola incident has reignited debate about civic responsibility and the need for stronger community policing. Civil-society groups have echoed Government’s warning that no grievance should ever escalate into confrontation with law enforcement.

As of press time, all 27 arrested suspects were being processed for court appearances on charges ranging from malicious damage to assaulting police officers. Government officials say more arrests are expected as investigations expand.

For now, the message from Lusaka is clear: the State will act firmly to preserve peace while encouraging lawful dialogue to resolve disputes. The rule of law, Mr Mwiimbu said, remains the cornerstone of national stability and economic progress.