Thirty-four people have been charged with terrorism following violent disturbances that occurred during a presidential engagement in Chingola, Copperbelt Province, according to court proceedings held before the Chingola Magistrate’s Court.
The accused were arrested after chaos erupted at Chiwempala Market on November 8, 2025, when President Hakainde Hichilema visited the area as part of official duties. Authorities allege that the suspects engaged in coordinated violent conduct aimed at disrupting the presidential programme.
Court records show that the suspects were jointly charged with terrorism, an offence under Zambian law that carries severe penalties upon conviction. The prosecution told the court that the accused persons acted in a manner that endangered public safety, damaged property, and threatened national security during the incident.
The State informed Magistrate Maybin Kapaya that the accused were involved in acts that included violent disruption of a public gathering, malicious damage to property, and riotous behaviour. Prosecutors submitted that the conduct of the accused went beyond ordinary public disorder and met the legal threshold for terrorism.
The court heard that police officers were forced to intervene after the situation at the market deteriorated, prompting the arrest of dozens of individuals suspected to have participated in the disturbances. The accused were later detained and brought before the court for formal charging.
During the initial appearance, defence lawyers objected to the terrorism charge, arguing that the alleged conduct did not amount to terrorism as defined by law. They submitted that the charge was excessive and requested that the court dismiss it or substitute it with lesser offences.
However, the State opposed the application, stating that the seriousness of the incident justified the charge. Prosecutors argued that the disruption of a presidential event constituted a grave threat to public order and national security, warranting the application of the terrorism statute.
Magistrate Kapaya ruled that the matter raised serious legal questions that required a full trial and dismissed the defence’s request to discharge the accused at that stage. The court ordered that the accused remain in custody pending further proceedings.
In addition to the terrorism charge, some of the accused are facing related counts, including arson, malicious damage to property, and riotous behaviour. The prosecution indicated that investigations were ongoing and that further evidence would be presented during trial.
The court set a date for commencement of trial and directed that all procedural requirements be complied with before the matter proceeds. The accused were remanded in custody.
Meanwhile, police officers were seen escorting the suspects into a police truck after the court session, amid tight security at the Chingola Magistrate’s Court.
The incident has attracted national attention due to its political and security implications, coming at a time when Zambia is experiencing heightened political activity ahead of future electoral processes. Authorities have repeatedly warned against violence during political events and public engagements.
Government officials have maintained that the law will be applied firmly against individuals who engage in acts that threaten peace and security. Law enforcement agencies have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of public officials and citizens during official functions.
The case is expected to test the application of terrorism laws in circumstances involving public disorder linked to political events. Legal observers note that the outcome may have broader implications for how such incidents are prosecuted in the future.
The matter returns to court on a later date for continued proceedings.a
Zambia is a nation of law, must be recognized, respected and above all, no one is above those laws. Also, the understanding the advantages of discipline, a real example of orderly conduct have to be set.
Chingola we are winning.
Jail so that others learn something from it infact put them in prison for more than 20years,stoning someone does not mean am solving a problem.
you are lucky that the president MR HAKAINDE HICHILEMA Is a kind and generous person if it was in other countries it could be a live fire.
I agree with the treason charge, the way the President was evacuated and bolted, this should be an appropriate charge.
What we need is freedom from fake politicians on ego trips but doing nothing for the country. Five years and we are in loadshedding! What leadership is that? One that should be stoned
What we need is freedom from fake politicians on ego trips but doing nothing for the country. Five years and we are in loadshedding! What leadership is that? It is one that should be stoned
Pathetic overkill to say the least
Obviously they have to be punished but calling it treason just show up the state we in
Desperate for the blood of starving citizens