A recent presidential visit to Chingola, intended for condolence and support to grieving families, descended into chaos, sparking strong reactions from the Zambian leadership and prompting immediate, high-level investigations into what has been declared a national security breach. The incident involved an “avalanche of stone-throwing, crowd surges, and total perimeter breakdown,” forcing the evacuation of the Head of State and raising serious concerns about national security and political stability.

Vice President Dr. W.K Mutale-Nalumango issued a stern warning, unequivocally condemning the disruptive actions. She asserted that those who instigated the unrest were not ordinary marketeers but individuals with a “malicious agenda, intent on sowing chaos and undermining the dignity of our nation.” The Vice President emphasized that such reckless behavior would not be tolerated, stressing that the President, dedicated to Zambia's progress, must be allowed to serve without obstruction. She declared that those who seek to derail his mission are “enemies of our democracy and enemies of the people,” signaling a zero-tolerance policy towards threats against the presidency.

In response to the gravity of the situation, Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu promptly camped in Chingola, personally overseeing the investigation. Speaking from Chingola Central Police Station, Minister Mwiimbu confirmed that investigators have secured “clear leads” pointing directly to the organizers of the riot and the subsequent arson, which included the burning of the presidential holding tent. Suspects include individuals who stole materials from the tent and those responsible for mobilizing the crowd, instructing disruptions, and triggering the confrontation. Police intelligence teams are actively tracking communications, movements, and social media activity linked to the event, with over 27 suspects already apprehended, including one linked to the ruling party, underscoring the operational rather than political nature of the investigation. The chairperson of Chiwempala Market, Christopher Chiwasha, delivered a direct apology to President Hichilema, expressing shame and pledging full cooperation with the government to prevent future recurrences.

Amidst the turmoil, the President’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Shapa Wakung’uma, emerged as a pivotal figure, whose actions prevented the situation from spiraling into a lethal breach. Footages show Shapa operating with remarkable alertness, scanning, screening, and blocking while others appeared disoriented. His expert execution of a “controlled lateral extraction” swiftly moved the President out of danger without triggering further panic. This exceptional display of close-protection work, recognized immediately by trained security professionals, has led to his promotion to Commissioner of Police – Special Duties.

Shapa’s promotion is described not as political theatre but as a “technical correction,” signaling the State's commitment to entrusting presidential protection to officers with a deep understanding of high-risk crowd behavior, tactical evacuation, and perimeter management in volatile environments. Chingola exposed critical security failures, including poor advance reconnaissance, weak perimeter discipline, inadequate flank protection, and a shocking level of complacency within the inner security ring. Shapa, with his 100 percent situational awareness, embodied the opposite of these failures.

His impressive résumé highlights a career steeped in discipline and precision: National Sports Coordinator (Zambia Police), Officer Commanding Sesheke District (where he notably restored control during 2019 violence), UNMIL Police Trainer & Advisor in Liberia, Drill & Weapons Instructor, and a prominent figure in sports committees, including President of the Zambia Judo Association. Holding international medals, a 4th Dan black belt, a Master’s Degree in Defence and Security (UNZA), and a Law Degree, Shapa uniquely blends academic, martial, and field-command experience. His elevation is a clear message: presidential protection is now an elite discipline requiring only professionals.

Following the national outrage, immediate adjustments have been made within the intelligence community and police command, including promotions, redeployments (such as Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga moving to Western Province as Commissioner), disciplinary assessments, and audits of the Presidential Security Unit (PSU). In the coming weeks, further reforms are expected across crowd-screening protocols, intelligence-fusion systems, advance-team deployments, rapid-extraction drills, and joint operations between police, intelligence, and military units. The Chingola incident serves as a stark “warning shot,” emphasizing that Zambia cannot afford another such breach, and underscoring the critical importance of professional, vigilant presidential protection.