Hichilema Orders Action After Alleged Attack on Gary Nkombo During Nomination Process
An independent candidate for Mazabuka Central, Gary Nkombo, was assaulted while filing nominations, drawing strong condemnations from President Hichilema and opposition figures. The incident, currently under police investigation, raises serious concerns about electoral violence and the integrity of Zambia's democratic process ahead of the upcoming August 13 elections.
President Hakainde Hichilema has directed law enforcement agencies to investigate and arrest those responsible for an alleged assault on former lawmaker Gary Nkombo during the filing of nomination papers in Mazabuka.
The incident occurred at the Mazabuka Civic Centre, where Nkombo was seeking to file his nomination as an independent parliamentary candidate. The violence has sparked widespread political condemnation ahead of Zambia’s general elections.
According to a report filed with police, Nkombo sustained injuries to his arms and complained of general body pains following the altercation. Personal belongings, including his clothing and sunglasses, were also reportedly damaged during the incident.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show a confrontation involving Nkombo and a group of individuals alleged to be supporters of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND). His wife, Chileshe Nkombo, was also reportedly caught up in the disturbance while attempting to protect him.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, President Hichilema condemned the incident, describing electoral violence as unacceptable and incompatible with democratic principles. He stressed that no individual would be above the law, regardless of political affiliation or status.
The president warned that authorities would act decisively against any attempts to disrupt the electoral process and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and public order during the campaign period.
Despite the incident, Nkombo successfully submitted his nomination papers and later called for calm. He condemned what he described as acts of intimidation and urged political actors to respect citizens’ constitutional rights to participate freely in democratic processes.
The former minister also appealed to the Zambia Police Service to conduct a professional and impartial investigation, emphasizing the need for accountability and adherence to the rule of law.
Further criticism came from Brian Mundubile, who described the attack as deeply troubling and questioned the initial response of security personnel at the scene. He called for swift action against those responsible and urged authorities to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
Police in Mazabuka confirmed that an investigation into allegations of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and malicious damage to property is underway. Authorities said no arrests had been made immediately, but efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend all suspects connected to the incident.