Lieutenant General Maliti Solochi is facing mounting calls for investigation after he was seen distributing cash to students at the University of Zambia during a period of unrest linked to sanitation failures and the death of a student.
The incident, which occurred during an official visit to the campus, has drawn criticism from political figures and raised questions about the conduct of security institutions in civilian spaces. Former Home Affairs Minister Katele Kalumba said the actions were unacceptable for a senior officer and warned that they undermine the integrity expected of a defence wing leader.
Kalumba said the conduct required immediate scrutiny, questioning the origin of the money and whether proper procedures were followed. He argued that a military commander engaging in such public displays risks blurring institutional boundaries, particularly in a politically sensitive environment where students had already mobilised over poor living conditions.
Leadership Movement president Richard Silumbe added that the Anti-Corruption Commission should open investigations into possible abuse of office and corruption-related offences. He said the act of distributing money in public, especially in a context linked to student unrest, raised concerns about intent and accountability.
The controversy unfolded against the backdrop of tensions at the University of Zambia, where students had protested over persistent sanitation challenges, erratic water supply, and a fatal incident involving a fellow student who died in a trench filled with sewer waste. The conditions had triggered anger among students, with demonstrations spilling onto the Great East Road.
At the time of Solochi’s visit, students were regrouping and planning further protests. The distribution of cash occurred within that context, with critics suggesting the action may have influenced the momentum of demonstrations.
Kalumba said security institutions are expected to operate within strict professional limits and avoid actions that may be interpreted as political or coercive. He stated that the Zambia National Service, like other defence structures, is not mandated to engage in political activity or influence civilian processes.
Silumbe said the matter reflects broader concerns about governance and institutional independence, arguing that oversight bodies must act decisively when questions arise involving public officials. He said failure to investigate would weaken public confidence in accountability systems.
Former Defence Minister Richwell Siamunene also criticised the conduct, describing it as inappropriate and inconsistent with the expected discipline of security leadership. He said even where assistance is intended, the manner and setting of delivery must align with institutional standards.
Government officials have defended the incident, suggesting the distribution of money may have been an act of compassion in response to student needs. However, the explanation has not eased concerns among critics who argue that such actions must be transparent and procedurally sound.
The situation has widened into a broader discussion about the role of state actors in managing public unrest, particularly in environments such as universities where grievances often reflect deeper systemic issues. At UNZA, sanitation and infrastructure problems have persisted over time, with repeated complaints from students about living conditions.
Health authorities have also confirmed ongoing public health concerns, with cholera cases continuing to be recorded in Lusaka, including areas connected to student populations. The overlap between sanitation challenges and health risks has intensified scrutiny on institutional responses.
Parallel to the Solochi controversy, legal concerns have also emerged around policing practices, following criticism from lawyer Milner Katolo regarding the handling of businessman Valden Findlay. Katolo described the arrest process as irregular and said authorities should adhere strictly to due process.
The convergence of these issues campus conditions, policing standards, and conduct of security officials has placed governance systems under close public observation. Questions are now being raised about consistency, accountability, and the limits of authority across institutions.
The Anti-Corruption Commission has not issued a formal statement on the Solochi matter, leaving uncertainty over whether an investigation will be initiated. The absence of immediate clarification has sustained public attention on the issue.
Source: The Mast 060426
Solochi is a well trained military person and his judgement and conduct saved the situation….Well done General! We know that some low thinking persons who have used a gun…I have reasonable ground to believe some of you people used money to sponsor students to riot… He used money to counter your evil deeds and his money was sweeter than yours and the situation was under control the innocent students went for his money…he is a General and too smart for fools like this… That having been said I doubt Dr Katele Kalumba can sink this low… This statement in no doubt is coming from the criminal club house. Nothing warrants any investigation here.
You are living in mud, and somebody shouts salt sana and you shout back in affirmation, he says kwenyu you shout back, meanwhile hunger and absolute squalor where you come from in compounds and rural areas is at its highest. When the man shouts salt sana, shout back to say No. That is the only way the man will know that you live with sewer everyday. Remember, they cheat him every day that all is well. Wake up, this is no time for hollow praises and endorsement when you are being ranked among the poorest and hungriest nations in the world. The economy is dead!
Things are bad but not according to the way you are portraying it. There are also positives along the negatives. It is the alternative to the negatives that we currently don’t have. Please don’t attack me but give me an alternative to the current and i will consider it.
Those people living in squalor can tell the difference themselves. They don’t you to tell them they are worse off than they were five years ago. I do believe that those complain and feel the pangs of what it means to be block are those that pilfered coffers during PF ruled. I have examples of people that complain about fertilizer subsidies that used to form clubs and sold the fertilizer in Malawi
You are in Zambia and you don’t know what the current Boma is doing to stabilize the economy.You expect the economy to be strong after years of mismanagement by pf in just 5yrs?You want only to receive without planting the little seeds you have and nature the plants to growth.You only want to eat now?What kind of dull people are you?
The ex-convict should be the last to comment on such matters.
The wizard himself.
When this man was in jail, he pretended to be very sick and said he had only a short time to live. All of a sudden he has become very strong and vocal. Where has this energy, come from? Can you first tell us, why you were inprisoned before you point an accusing finger at anybody?
Solochi must be fired. How did he lay his hands on that money? Was the money meant for drone missiles we cant use so it wont be missed?Corrupt army officers are our last line of defense.
His time to answer will also come. Just wait until these guys are out in 2031 then all these actions are going to get some of these pipo jailed. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander. What is happening with pipo getting arrested now for crimes when they were in power is also going to happen to the current crop when they are out.
Counting on 2031…keep on dreaming.
Amen….”let he has no sin cast the first stone” Jesus said.
Kalumba should be thanking his luck stars that some Doctor lied to the courts that he was on his last straw. Some people should emulate GBM. Worrying more about their health than pointing at other people.