An alarming incident of electoral violence marred the nomination process in Mazabuka on May 20, 2026, when former Mazabuka Central Member of Parliament, Gary Nkombo, was reportedly assaulted and harassed while attempting to file his nomination papers as an independent candidate. The event, which unfolded at the Mazabuka Civic Centre around 09:30 hours, saw Nkombo, aged 60, allegedly attacked by a group of individuals suspected to be cadres linked to the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND).

The assault, which Nkombo later reported to Mazabuka Central Police Station, resulted in him sustaining a bruised left arm, a painful right arm, and general body pains. His shirt and sunglasses were also damaged during the altercation. Viral videos circulating online reportedly depicted Nkombo being kicked and his suit ripped, with his wife, Mrs. Chileshe Nkombo, also caught in the violence as she attempted to shield her husband. Eyewitness accounts suggest that police officers were present at the scene but allegedly stood by without intervening initially, a point of significant criticism from opposition figures.

In response to the egregious act, President Hakainde Hichilema swiftly condemned the scenes as unacceptable, undemocratic, and a direct violation of the rule of law. In a statement posted on his Facebook page, the President reiterated that electoral lawlessness would not be tolerated and issued a stern warning that all perpetrators, irrespective of their political affiliation or social standing, would face the full force of the law. He stated, “Those who wish to test this Government’s resolve to maintain law and order are entirely on their own,” and stressed that the State would act firmly and decisively against all forms of electoral violence and disorder as the country approaches the elections. President Hichilema further directed law enforcement agencies to arrest all individuals responsible for the violence in Mazabuka.

Gary Nkombo, who successfully managed to file his nomination papers as an independent candidate for the Mazabuka Central parliamentary seat after the incident, also issued a strong condemnation of the violence and intimidation. He stated that what should have been a peaceful and democratic process was disrupted by aggressive behavior from individuals attempting to undermine citizens' constitutional rights to freely participate in the electoral process. Nkombo emphasized that such acts have no place in a democratic society and pose a serious threat to the peace and unity that the people of Mazabuka and Zambia deserve. He called upon all political players, supporters, and stakeholders to exercise restraint, uphold the rule of law, and respect democratic freedoms. He also urged the Zambia Police Service to act professionally, impartially, and decisively in investigating the matter and ensuring that all perpetrators are brought to book, reaffirming his commitment to peaceful engagement and issue-based politics.

Further condemnation came from Hon. Brian Mundubile, leader of the National Reconciliation Party and Unity (NRPU) and a presidential candidate in the August polls. Mundubile strongly denounced the violent assault on his "personal friend and colleague" Nkombo, expressing shame that "barbaric behaviour still exists in the UPND, which claimed cadre violence ended in 2021." He highlighted the appalling nature of police inaction at the scene and called upon President Hichilema to instruct the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Graphel Musamba, to arrest the assailants whose faces were visible in widely circulated social media videos. Mundubile also urged Nkombo and his wife to seek medical attention, underscoring the severity of the incident and its implications for Zambia's democratic integrity.

The Zambia Police Service in Mazabuka District confirmed that they are investigating a case of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and malicious damage to property, reported at Mazabuka Central Police Station on May 20, 2026, at 11:00 hours. The police report identified Mr. Bilden Shalooba, Mr. Mcman (whose other names are not known), and a group of suspected UPND members as the alleged perpetrators. While police officers did manage to rescue Nkombo, no arrests have been made at this stage, and investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all suspects. The Southern Province Commanding Officer, Moono Namalongo, warned that any acts of violence, intimidation, or public disorder before, during, or after the elections would not be tolerated, urging all political party supporters and aspiring candidates to conduct themselves peacefully.

The incident carries significant political weight, as Gary Nkombo, a veteran parliamentarian credited with keeping the UPND alive during its opposition years and serving as Minister of Local Government after their 2021 victory, is now contesting as an independent candidate following a recent fallout with President Hichilema. His decision marks a notable political shift in Mazabuka, a town long considered a UPND stronghold. With less than three months remaining until the August 13 presidential and general elections, observers warn that violence against prominent figures like Nkombo sets a dangerous precedent for ordinary citizens and tests Zambia's reputation as a peaceful democracy where elections are contested through ideas, not fists. The incident underscores the critical need for upholding law and order to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections.