TWO junkies have been arrested on the Copperbelt after chaos erupted in Chingola during President Hakainde Hichilema’s visit, leaving the presidential holding tent in flames, a police vehicle and even the Head of State’s portrait up in flames.
According to police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, the riot broke out around 14:50 hours yesterday at Chiwempala Market and later spread to Chikola Secondary School grounds, the same area where President Hichilema had been addressing residents.
As the President spoke, some unruly individuals allegedly began breaking into and looting shops.
Hamoonga said when police officers tried to contain the situation, the crowd grew violent and charged towards the venue.
For security reasons, President Hichilema was quickly whisked away to the nearby landing pad, but the mob reportedly followed the presidential motorcade, pelting vehicles with stones.
In the ensuing chaos, a police Toyota Land Cruiser, registration number ZP 2537 B was overturned and set ablaze.
Superintendent Lloyd Kanondo, who was driving the vehicle, is said to have fired 10 warning shots into the air in a desperate attempt to scare off the mob, but the rioters refused to back down.
The inferno destroyed the vehicle completely, and police say the total value of the damage is yet to be established.
The angry crowd didn’t stop there. According to Hamoonga, they allegedly torched the presidential holding tent belonging along with carpets, a coffee table and the official portrait of President Hichilema.
A portable toilet was also burnt, while an Isuzu vehicle belonging to a Lusaka businessman was left with shattered windows.
Police have since arrested two suspects, 24-year old Abraham Chilumbu of Chiwempala Township and 21 year old Abraham Sichone, a bar attendant of Mjomba Compound.
Both are in custody and expected to appear in court soon.
Hamoonga assured the public that calm has since been restored in Chingola, with intensified patrols to prevent further unrest.
The spokesperson also warned members of the public against acts of violence and vandalism, especially during national events, saying such behavior will be met with the full force of the law.
He urged citizens to exercise restraint, respect the law and cooperate with law enforcement officers to maintain peace and order.
“The Zambia Police Service sternly warns members of the public against engaging in acts of violence, vandalism, or destruction of property, particularly during high-profile national events. Such behavior is criminal and will be met with the full force of the law.”
“Citizens are further reminded that maintaining peace and order is a collective responsibility, and violence only undermines development efforts and endangers lives,” he said.
Kalemba, November 9, 2025
