Army commander warns against stone throwing

Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele has warned that throwing stones at the Head of State or any government leader will not be tolerated, stating that perpetrators will be dealt with according to the law.

Lt Gen Zyeele said the Zambia Army, as a strategic instrument of national power, will not stand by while individuals throw stones at the Commander-in-Chief or leaders at various levels of government.

He made the remarks today when he paid a courtesy call on Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo at the Provincial Administration offices in Ndola. Lt Gen Zyeele said the Army will act to protect citizens and maintain peace and stability, warning that attempts to destabilise the country will attract severe consequences.

He said those involved in stoning the Commander-in-Chief will be apprehended, noting that some suspects are already in custody while others who fled will be pursued and handled in accordance with the law. He added that measures will be taken to address perceptions of impunity, particularly in Chingola, and warned that repeat incidents would have serious consequences.

Lt Gen Zyeele urged Zambians to live in unity and to respect leaders entrusted with the responsibility of governing the country. He also reminded the public that the Zambia Army has continued to provide civil support to the government when required, including during the cholera outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the gassing incidents, in line with its constitutional mandate.

Meanwhile, the Army Commander said illegal mining remains a major national concern, citing intelligence reports that indicate the involvement of illegal immigrants, some of whom are armed and have military backgrounds. He said the Army will move to remove such elements and ensure national security.

Lt Gen Zyeele added that the Army has a responsibility to support the country’s strategic direction by creating a secure and stable environment for both local and foreign investment. He stressed that licensed mining operations must be conducted peacefully and that lawlessness will not be allowed, further warning that impunity by illegal miners, particularly in Kikonge, will not be tolerated.

In response, Mr Matambo said he supports the Army’s stance against illegal mining, noting that failure to address the problem could have serious negative consequences for the country. He called on peace-loving Zambians to support government efforts to maintain law and order and urged the public not to politicise the issue of illegal mining.

Mr Matambo also reiterated that President Hakainde Hichilema, as Commander-in-Chief, remains committed to the four pillars of the mining sector: miner safety, security, legal mining, and the peaceful conduct of formal business.

Later, Lt Gen Zyeele addressed troops at Tug Argan Garrison, where he outlined the 2026 strategic direction and urged them to remain loyal and patriotic to the people of Zambia.