156 Views File image KITWE — The National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity has reported a violent incident in Nkana East that involved an attack on its members, their property, and the police station where they had gone to report the matter. According to information shared by the party, the events began Monday night […]

156 Views

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KITWE — The National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity has reported a violent incident in Nkana East that involved an attack on its members, their property, and the police station where they had gone to report the matter.

According to information shared by the party, the events began Monday night at Eshuko Apartments in Kitwe. That is where members of the NRPUP presidential campaign team had been staying.

Party representatives said a group of people entered the premises and assaulted a security guard on duty. During the attack, a firearm belonging to the guard was allegedly taken.

Cash and mobile phones were also reportedly removed from individuals who were at the apartments at the time.

The group is said to have left the apartments and headed toward Nkana East Police Station. The move followed a decision by NRPUP officials to go to the station to formally report what had happened at the apartments.

When the officials arrived at the station, a large group gathered outside. The party alleges that the group was armed with various objects and demanded that officers release one of the NRPUP leaders who was inside. The demands were accompanied by threats and loud confrontations.

To prevent an escalation, officers at the station moved the NRPUP delegation to a secure area within the building. While that was happening, the party says two members of the delegation who had accompanied the leader — a driver and a security aide — were attacked outside by members of the crowd. The two sought safety inside the station after the assault.

The situation at the station lasted for some time as the crowd continued to shout demands from outside. Police officers maintained a presence inside while assessing how to manage the gathering.

Earlier in the evening, during the incident at the apartments, party members said another confrontation occurred near the entrance.

A vehicle, described as a white minibus, was reportedly abandoned in the area after its occupants encountered NRPUP members. Items were said to have been found inside the vehicle, including campaign materials, personal bags, and identification documents. These were later handed over to authorities.

About 30 minutes after the initial report was made, officers attended to the scene at the apartments. They conducted an inspection and then invited the NRPUP officials, the affected security guard, and representatives of the private security company to accompany them to Nkana East Police Station to complete a formal report.

At the station, the delegation waited while the report was being processed. That is when the second group arrived and the confrontation outside the station took place.

The NRPUP has described the night’s events as part of a pattern of intimidation against its members during the election period. The party says the attacks are linked to political differences and are intended to disrupt its campaign activities on the Copperbelt.

With 16 days to the August 13 general elections, the party has expressed concern about safety for its candidates, agents, and supporters.

It has called for calm and for all political players to respect the law. The party is also urging authorities to ensure that police stations remain safe spaces for citizens to report crimes without fear of reprisal.

The incident adds to tensions on the Copperbelt, where all major parties have been holding rallies and door-to-door campaigns ahead of polling day.

Kitwe and surrounding towns have seen increased political activity, with parties focusing on issues such as jobs, mining, and cost of living.

Civil society groups have in recent weeks appealed for restraint and for disputes to be handled through legal and electoral processes rather than confrontation. They have also stressed the importance of protecting the right of all parties to campaign freely.

By Tuesday morning, the NRPUP delegation had completed the process of reporting the matter at Nkana East Police Station. The two individuals who were assaulted were attended to and were reported to be receiving care.

The party says it will continue with its scheduled campaign activities while taking additional measures to protect its members. It has asked supporters to remain peaceful and to document any incidents for follow-up with relevant authorities.

Police had not released a public update on the case by Tuesday morning. Investigations into both the apartment incident and the events at the station are expected to continue.

The NRPUP is fielding Brian Mundubile as its presidential candidate. The party has been campaigning on governance reforms, youth empowerment, and economic opportunities, with a strong focus on Copperbelt communities.