KABWE, November 21, 2025 – Police in Kabwe have detained seven men following an incident in which Patriotic Front Vice President and former Kabwata Member of Parliament Honourable Given Lubinda was allegedly confronted by a group at 3 Seasons Lodge on November 19. The arrests were made during an intelligence-led operation carried out on Friday.
Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi confirmed that officers moved to apprehend the suspects after analysing information gathered during the initial stages of the inquiry. According to the police, the operation resulted in the detention of individuals believed to have participated in the confrontation. The suspects are all residents of Kabwe and were picked up from various locations across the district.
Those arrested have been identified as Mbesuma Bernard, aged 35, Edwin Mukwaila, aged 40, and Mainza Moonga, aged 35, all from Kamuchanga Compound. The others are Wesley Sichangala, aged 32, of Makululu Compound, along with two 20-year-olds, Shenny Mwanza and Pascal Puta, both from Katondo Compound. The seventh suspect, 26-year-old Choax Banda, is from High Ridge. Police stated that the individuals were detained without major incident and have since been placed in custody.
Mr Chilabi explained that investigators are reviewing all material collected during the early stages of the case. This includes footage from security cameras, witness accounts and other information obtained through interviews conducted after the incident was reported. The police are now working to match the documented actions of each suspect with the available evidence.
He added that Honourable Lubinda has been invited to provide a formal sworn statement. According to the police, this is required to complete the complaint procedure and strengthen the case file before prosecutors determine the charges to pursue. Mr Chilabi said the process is standard practice and ensures that all allegations are supported by verifiable details from the complainant.
The specific offences that may be brought against the seven men have not yet been disclosed. Officers stated that the nature of the charges will depend on the results of the evidence review, which remains ongoing. Police are still receiving additional information from members of the public and have encouraged those with relevant details to step forward.
In the statement issued on Friday, the Zambia Police Service reminded members of the public that acts of violence or disorder linked to political activity are treated strictly as criminal matters. The service emphasised that confrontations targeting public figures, political actors or ordinary citizens fall under provisions of the law that prohibit intimidation, harassment and other forms of unlawful conduct.
Community responses collected after the arrests indicate heightened local interest in the case. Residents told Lusaka Times that they expect the matter to be handled transparently. Some noted that the swift action by the police aligns with expectations of firm responses to disturbances involving political figures. Others said the arrests should be followed by a full inquiry to establish whether the incident was organised or spontaneous.
Civil society groups have also commented on the developments, stating that the investigation should proceed without external influence. Organisations monitoring political activity in Central Province have urged the public to avoid speculation and allow investigators to work through the collected material. They added that the process should help clarify whether the confrontation stemmed from political activities or personal disputes.
Police have indicated that no additional arrests have been made so far, although investigators continue to track information that may point to further involvement. Officers said there is no confirmed motive at this stage. The inquiry remains focused on reconstructing the sequence of events and confirming the roles of each suspect.
Authorities have appealed for calm as they finalise the next steps of the case. Members of the public with information have been advised to contact the nearest police station. Police also indicated that more updates will be released once the review of evidence is complete and potential charges are determined.
