Justice Unleashed! Police Hunt Down Suspects in Chawama Political Violence
Zambia Police have confirmed the arrest of four suspects in Chipata linked to political violence in Lusaka's Chawama, facing charges including aggravated robbery and assault. Inspector General Graphel Musamba has directed swift prosecution for all electoral violence perpetrators, assuring that calm is restored and security measures are intensified across affected regions.
The Zambia Police Service has confirmed the apprehension of four individuals in connection with the political violence that erupted in Lusaka’s Chawama Compound on June 5, 2026. Police Spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi identified the suspects as Ricky Chambawilo, 43, Thomas Mvula, 41, Peter Mwaba, 42, and Rickson Phiri, 46. All four suspects, residents of Lusaka, were on the police wanted list for their alleged involvement in the violence that specifically occurred in the John Howard area of Chawama.
The suspects are wanted in connection with serious offences, including aggravated robbery, malicious damage to property, assault, and unlawful wounding. These individuals were part of a larger group involved in the political disturbances. They were successfully tracked and apprehended on June 9, 2026, at the Protea Hotel in Chipata, Eastern Province, far from the initial crime scene in Lusaka, among a group of people gathered outside the hotel. The four suspects are currently in police custody, awaiting formal charges as investigations continue into the four-day-old incident.
In response to this and other recent incidents of political violence across the nation, Inspector General of Police, Graphel Musamba, has issued a directive to all Provincial Commanding Officers. The Inspector General emphasized the imperative to identify, apprehend, and prosecute all perpetrators of electoral violence without delay. Updating the nation on incidents in Mazabuka, Chawama, and Kabwe, Mr. Musamba assured citizens that calm has been restored in all affected areas through reinforced security operations.
Following a thorough security assessment, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) took the measure to suspend campaign activities in Mazabuka Central Constituency to prevent any further escalation of violence. The Police have significantly intensified patrols, intelligence-led operations, and community sensitisation programmes, all aimed at promoting peace and ensuring a safe electoral environment. Mr. Musamba underscored that these measures are strictly for safeguarding public safety and guaranteeing peaceful political participation, not to infringe upon constitutional rights.
Further steps to address the prevailing security concerns in Mazabuka include the upcoming convention of a multi-sectoral stakeholders’ meeting, intended to pave the way for the resumption of campaigns. Beyond the specific arrests in Chawama, where a total of nine suspects have been apprehended for offences similar to those listed above, including assault on police officers, investigations are ongoing to apprehend additional individuals involved.
Meanwhile, in Kabwe, six suspects were arrested on June 7 for proposing violence following an incident at Chowa Police Station, with a manhunt actively underway for a key suspect who remains at large. The Inspector General reiterated his call for political leaders, candidates, and supporters to exercise restraint, respect the rule of law, and resolve disputes peacefully, reaffirming the Zambia Police Service’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace, order, and stability throughout the electoral period.