Police arrest 9 over Matero polling agent murder

THE Zambia Police Service has apprehended nine suspects in connection with the alleged murder of a polling agent in Matero. Meanwhile, police have disclosed that they’ve recorded incidents in which riotous mobs blocked roads in Chawama, parts of Kanyama compound and the central business district in Lusaka which has resulted in deployment of officers to […]

THE Zambia Police Service has apprehended nine suspects in connection with the alleged murder of a polling agent in Matero.

Meanwhile, police have disclosed that they’ve recorded incidents in which riotous mobs blocked roads in Chawama, parts of Kanyama compound and the central business district in Lusaka which has resulted in deployment of officers to restore order and ensure public safety.

Police add that they are investigating an incident in Kasama in which a group of armed suspected National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) supporters attacked the residence of the acting permanent secretary for Northern Province Beauty Undi Phiri.

The service is also investigating statements attributed to Binwell Mpundu, in which he stated that he was ready to kill and be killed.

In a statement, Friday, Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba, the suspects in Matero are linked to the alleged murder of Lovemore Chishima, aged 57, who was assaulted by a group of people on August 13, 2026 at Kasamba polling station and later died.

Musamba disclosed that in a separate incident, police arrested six male suspects found in possession of offensive weapons.

“In Matero, Lusaka Province, police have apprehended nine suspects in connection with the alleged murder of Mr. Lovemore Chishima, aged 57, a polling agent, who was allegedly assaulted by a group of people on 13th August, 2026 at Kasamba polling station and later died. The suspects are currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing. In a separate incident, police apprehended and detained six male suspects who were found in possession of offensive weapons. The recoveries include nine machetes, twenty-two rounds of ammunition and a Toyota Land Cruiser motor vehicle bearing registration number BAD 8622. In this regard, police are looking for Mr. Sean Tembo to assist with investigations. In Kalomo, Southern Province, police arrested a suspect following an incident in which four people were assaulted, with one person sustaining a gunshot wound. A firearm and ammunition were recovered, and investigations into the matter are ongoing. In Kalomo, Southern Province, police arrested a suspect following an incident in which four people were assaulted, with one person sustaining a gunshot wound. A firearm and ammunition were recovered, and investigations into the matter are ongoing,” he said.

And Musamba said police in Kasama are investigating an incident in which a group of armed suspected NRPUP supporters attacked the residence of the acting permanent secretary for Northern Province Beauty Undi Phiri.

“The Zambia Police Service further wishes to inform the public that police in Kasama are investigating an incident in which a group of armed suspected National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) supporters attacked the residence of the acting permanent secretary for Northern Province, Ms. Beauty Undi-Phiri. The incident occurred on 14th August, 2026. One suspect has since been apprehended and is currently in police custody. Investigations are ongoing,” he said.

He said the service was also investigating statements attributed to Mpundu, in which he stated that he was ready to kill and be killed, stating that such statements, if confirmed had the potential to incite violence and cause public disorder.

“The service is also investigating statements attributed to Mr. Binwell Mpundu, in which he stated that he was ready to kill and be killed. Such statements, if confirmed, have the potential to incite violence and cause public disorder. Investigations into the matter are ongoing, and Mr. Mpundu is advised to avail himself to the police to assist with the investigations,” he said.

Meanwhile, Musamba disclosed that police recorded incidents in which riotous mobs blocked roads in Chawama, parts of Kanyama compound and the central business district in Lusaka which has resulted in deployment of officers to restore order and ensure safety.

“Meanwhile, this afternoon, police recorded incidents in which riotous mobs blocked roads in Chawama, parts of Kanyama compound and the central business district in Lusaka. Police have since deployed officers to restore order and ensure the safety of members of the public. The service further wishes to sternly warn some local information technology experts who are allegedly working with foreign nationals with a view to committing cyber-security-related and seditious offences. Police will investigate and take appropriate action against any person found to be involved in unlawful activities. As regards the announcement and declaration of results in the presidential election, section 73 of the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016 vests this responsibility in the returning officer. Therefore, the service advises candidates and other stakeholders to refrain from announcing or disseminating unverified results, as such actions have the potential to cause confusion and disrupt public peace and order,” he said.

“The Zambia Police Service wishes to assure the public that these incidents are receiving serious attention. Police will continue to pursue all persons suspected of having committed offences and ensure that they are brought before the courts of law. The service therefore calls on members of the public to remain calm, avoid violence and refrain from taking the law into their own hands. Anyone with information that may assist ongoing investigations is encouraged to report to the nearest police station. The Zambia Police Service will continue to maintain heightened vigilance and strengthen security measures during the post-election period to safeguard peace, public safety and the rule of law”.

Musamba also commended members of the public for the peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves during the August 13 general elections despite pockets of violence in some parts of the country.

“The Zambia Police Service wishes to commend members of the public for the peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves during the 13th August, 2026 general elections. The service appreciates the cooperation demonstrated by voters, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders throughout the polling process. The service also commends police officers and other law enforcement agencies for their professionalism, impartiality and dedication in maintaining law and order, as well as securing polling stations, voters, election officials and electoral materials. While the general conduct of the elections was peaceful, the service recorded isolated incidents in some parts of the country, particularly in Lusaka, Kalomo, Luwingu, Kasama, Isoka, Mafinga, Chingola, Mkushi and Kabompo,” said Musamba.