Zambia is facing its most significant security confrontation in recent years following an attack on President Hakainde Hichilema during his visit to Chiwempala Market in Chingola on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Stones were thrown at the Head of State, his holding tent was burned, and a police vehicle was torched, highlighting a grave breach of security and public order. State intelligence units are actively reviewing visual and digital evidence to determine whether the incident was spontaneous or premeditated.

According to a police report filed by Superintendent Lloyd Kanondo (48), the unrest began at approximately 14:00 hours while the President was addressing residents. Unruly members of the public reportedly began looting shops, prompting police intervention. The crowd then turned violent and advanced toward the President, forcing his security detail to escort him to a landing pad at Chikola Secondary School grounds. The mob pursued the presidential motorcade, continuing to hurl stones near the helicopter take-off point.

During the chaos, a police Toyota Land Cruiser (ZP 2537 B) at the rear of the convoy was severely damaged, its windscreen shattered, overturned, and set ablaze. Superintendent Kanondo fired ten warning shots in an attempt to disperse the crowd, but they persisted. The mob also set fire to the presidential holding tent, destroying items including a floor carpet, two carpet runners, a presidential portrait, and a coffee table. Additionally, a portable toilet belonging to Chrisai Company was burned, and the windscreen of an Isuzu vehicle (CAE 5930) transporting it was smashed. The total value of the damaged property is yet to be determined.

Investigations led to the initial arrest of two suspects, Abraham Chilumbu (24), unemployed, and Abraham Sichone (21), a bar attendant, both charged and detained for arson. Further investigations resulted in three additional arrests: James Banda (30), Arnold Mbewe (22), and Jackson Mbulo (25), bringing the total to five suspects. All remain in police custody pending court proceedings.

The Zambia Police Service, through Inspector General Graphel C. Musamba, issued a stern warning that acts of violence, riotous behavior, and property destruction will not be tolerated, assuring the public that all perpetrators will be brought to justice. Calm has since been restored in Chingola with reinforcements deployed.

The attack has elicited widespread condemnation across Zambia’s political spectrum and civil society. Sunday Chanda branded the stoning as “a threat to the rule of law and the dignity of our nation,” demanding a full public investigation and a security overhaul. Constitutional lawyer John Sangwa described the violence as “a betrayal of the Republic’s founding values,” warning of a deeper national crisis marked by eroding public trust and weakening state institutions ahead of the 2026 elections. Governance and Development Advocates Zambia, through Executive Director Elias Mulenga, also condemned the act as “shameful and unpatriotic,” stressing that the Presidency symbolizes national unity and dignity.

Even opposition figures denounced the attack. PF supporter Chomba Kaoma urged respect for the President’s office, noting that President Hichilema chose humiliation over bloodshed by not authorizing force. Similarly, Charles Chanda, leader of the United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ), described the incident as regrettable, calling for national unity and peaceful dialogue over violence, and emphasizing the need to respect the presidency regardless of political differences.

At a UPND fundraising dinner in Ndola, President Hichilema stressed that Zambia must not revert to the dark days of political intolerance, violence, and lawlessness. He reaffirmed that democracy thrives through peaceful engagement, mutual respect, and tolerance of diverse opinions.

He declared, “We cannot allow violence to define our politics. Zambia’s strength lies in our ability to disagree without destroying one another. Those who seek to drag our nation backward will fail because our people have chosen peace over chaos.”

Hichilema called on political leaders to educate their supporters on tolerance and civic responsibility, warning that anyone undermining public order will face the full force of the law. He also commended the Zambia Police Service and national intelligence agencies for their swift response in restoring calm, assuring citizens that the safety and unity of the nation remain his administration’s top priority.