CHINGOLA, Nov 9 (AGCNewsNet) – The Zambia Police Service says order has been restored in Chingola District after a violent incident involving riot and arson disrupted President Hakainde Hichilema’s visit to Chiwempala Market on Saturday afternoon.

According to a police statement, the unrest began around 14:50 hours when sections of the crowd became unruly during the President’s address. What began as isolated acts of looting and property damage at Chiwempala Market escalated into violent resistance against officers deployed to restore calm.

For security reasons, President Hichilema was evacuated to Chikola Secondary School grounds, which served as the Presidential motorcade’s landing pad. However, the violent group reportedly followed, pelting stones at vehicles, including those in the convoy. A police vehicle — a white Toyota Land Cruiser with registration number ZP 2537 B — was overturned and set ablaze after its windscreen was shattered.

Superintendent Lloyd Kanondo, 48, who was driving the vehicle, discharged ten rounds of pistol ammunition into the air in an attempt to disperse the mob, but the attackers did not retreat. The total value of destroyed property has not yet been determined.

Police confirmed that a Presidential Holding Tent, belonging to Events Matters Company of Lusaka, was also burnt during the chaos. The destroyed items included a floor carpet, carpet runners, a Presidential portrait, and a coffee table. Additionally, a portable toilet from Chrisai Company and a private Isuzu vehicle, registration number CAE 5930, sustained damage.

Two suspects — 24-year-old Abraham Chilumbu of Chiwempala Township and 21-year-old bar attendant Abraham Sichone from Mjomba Compound — have been arrested and are currently in custody. Both are expected to appear in court soon. Police have since intensified patrols across the area.

In its statement, the Zambia Police Service condemned the violence and reminded the public that vandalism and disorderly conduct during national events constitute criminal acts. “Peace and order are essential for national development,” the statement read, urging citizens to cooperate with law enforcement authorities.

The United Party for National Development (UPND) also issued a statement denouncing the violence and commending President Hichilema for maintaining restraint. The party noted that the President’s decision to withdraw from the area “helped prevent potential casualties,” describing it as an act of leadership under pressure.

State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka similarly condemned the attack, labeling it “thuggery conduct” and warning against attempts to endanger the President’s life. He praised the security services for their professionalism and restraint during the incident.

UPND Director General for Media Frank Bwalya later clarified that the Chiwempala stop was an unscheduled outreach visit to meet traders affected by a recent market fire. He explained that the disturbance began when some youths climbed onto shop roofs to get a better view of the President, prompting police to intervene for safety reasons. “The situation was brief, minor, and isolated,” Bwalya said, adding that the President proceeded to Ndola afterward to attend a football match between Nkana and Power Dynamos.

He confirmed that the President donated K10 million to support affected traders, emphasizing that the Chiwempala engagement was otherwise peaceful.

Authorities have assured the public that calm has returned to Chingola, with continued patrols to prevent further disturbances.

Stay connected with AGC NewsNet for the latest news from Africa.