1,355 Views …Questions Raised After Hichilema Condemns Violence It has now emerged that Belden Haloba, the man alleged to have led a group that violently attacked former Mazabuka Central Member of Parliament Gary Nkombo on Wednesday, is a UPND official reportedly attached to State House. Haloba is said to be part of the UPND party […]

1,355 Views …Questions Raised After Hichilema Condemns Violence

It has now emerged that Belden Haloba, the man alleged to have led a group that violently attacked former Mazabuka Central Member of Parliament Gary Nkombo on Wednesday, is a UPND official reportedly attached to State House.

Haloba is said to be part of the UPND party security team stationed at State House and has for years been closely associated with President Hakainde Hichilema.

File: Belden Haloba (in black suit) with Hakainde Hichilema

Pictures and videos circulating on social media seen by Zambian Eye show Haloba at State House and in close proximity to President Hichilema during the opposition years.

In one of the videos, Haloba is seen at Woodland Police Station during the dramatic 2017 arrest of Hichilema on treason charges, which the UPND at the time described as politically motivated.

The revelations have triggered fresh political controversy following Wednesday’s violent scenes in Mazabuka where Nkombo was attacked while attempting to file in his nomination papers as an Independent candidate.

Nkombo after he was attacked

Nkombo, who recently fell out with the UPND leadership after being excluded from the party adoption process, was chased and assaulted by suspected UPND cadres who overran police officers at the filing centre.

Videos from the incident show cadres pulling Nkombo, tearing his shirt and attempting to block him from entering the nomination centre. His wife also fell during the chaos as supporters and police struggled to contain the situation.

Despite the attack, Nkombo managed to successfully file in his nomination papers before later being treated at a hospital in Mazabuka for bruises sustained during the violence.

Hours after the incident, President Hichilema issued a strongly worded statement condemning electoral violence and directing law enforcement agencies to arrest all those involved.

President Hakainde Hichilema

“Fellow citizens, a few days ago, I made it clear that electoral lawlessness will not be tolerated and that all perpetrators, regardless of political affiliation or social standing, would face the full force of the law. That position remains firm and unchanged,” President Hichilema wrote on his Facebook page.

“The scenes circulating on social and other media of individuals attempting to prevent the lawful filing of nominations are unacceptable, undemocratic, and a direct violation of the rule of law.”

“I therefore expect law enforcement agencies to move swiftly and professionally to arrest all those responsible. Zambia is governed by laws, not intimidation, violence, or mob conduct.”

“Let me be unequivocal: those who wish to test this Government’s resolve to maintain law and order are entirely on their own. The State will act firmly and decisively against all forms of electoral violence and disorder.”

But the emergence of Haloba’s alleged links to State House and the ruling party has now fueled heated public debate online, with many Zambians questioning whether those involved in the violence will indeed face arrest.

Some reactions posted by Zambians on the Zambian Eye Facebook page reflected growing skepticism.

Edward Chibamba wrote: “Chameleon changes its colours but it remains the same.”

Terry Kanjolo questioned: “Can the law follow up those who violated it by blocking Gary?”

John Bwalya said: “Luswaniso must be the first victim in that case if justice takes place.”

Pastor Lazarous Mulenga asked: “State House protocol work found in Mazabuka to block and cause confusion at filing centre. Why and who sent him?”

Isaiah Hills commented: “Arrest someone who eats with the boss? We are not kids.”

Kennedy Phiri questioned whether police would independently act: “Is the IG free to perform? That was totally unacceptable. Gary has the heart of UPND at heart.”

Others openly accused the President of merely distancing himself publicly from actions allegedly being committed by ruling party supporters on the ground.

The incident has further exposed growing internal tensions within the UPND ahead of the August 13, 2026 General Elections, especially following contentious adoption processes that have left several senior members sidelined.

Nkombo, one of the party’s longest serving loyalists, officially filed as an Independent candidate after emotional appeals from Mazabuka residents who accused the ruling party of abandoning a man they said sacrificed greatly for the UPND during difficult opposition years.