Police in Lusaka have apprehended five suspects in connection with political violence that erupted in John Howard Compound in Chawama on Friday.
The Zambia Police Service says the violence, which occurred around 13:00 hours on June 5, 2026, involved supporters of the United Party for National Development (UPND) and the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance.
Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi has said officers were quickly dispatched to the area after Chawama Police Station received a report of the disturbance around 13:10 hours.
Mr. Chilabi says preliminary investigations indicate that a group allegedly linked to the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance attacked and ransacked the UPND Ward 3 Office in John Howard Compound.
He said during the violence, property was damaged while several items were stolen.
Gabriel Mwale, 45, of John Howard Compound reported that a laptop belonging to the UPND Ward 3 Office was stolen, although its value has not yet been established.
Meanwhile, Godfrey Chitalu, 51, of Jack Compound reported damage to office furniture and equipment, including tables and chairs, valued at about K30,000.
Police also recorded assault and unlawful wounding cases following the incident resulting in Lastone Lungu, 21, sustaining back injuries after allegedly being hit by stones, while Christopher Mumba, 45, suffered injuries to his right hand during the fracas.
The suspects currently in police custody have been identified as Happy Siuluta, 39, Andrew Simukoko, 21, Paul Chileshe, 26, Charles Nyambe, 26, and Arnold Siuluta, 26.
Mr. Chilabi has said investigations are ongoing and police have launched an operation to apprehend other individuals believed to have participated in the violence.
By Mulenga Chipampe Makasa
