99 ViewsMazabuka, Southern Province — A 26-year-old man is in custody after the fatal stabbing of a driver linked to an independent parliamentary hopeful in Chief Hanjalika’s area. The incident has drawn attention in Magoye East Constituency as campaigns for the 2026 election intensify. Southern Province Police Commanding Officer Moono Namalongo confirmed the arrest and […]

99 Views

Godfrey Chilabi

Mazabuka, Southern Province — A 26-year-old man is in custody after the fatal stabbing of a driver linked to an independent parliamentary hopeful in Chief Hanjalika’s area.

The incident has drawn attention in Magoye East Constituency as campaigns for the 2026 election intensify.

Southern Province Police Commanding Officer Moono Namalongo confirmed the arrest and gave details of the case on Tuesday.

The deceased was identified as Stanley Sakala, 31, of Lusaka. He was working as a driver for Confucius Mweene, an independent aspiring Member of Parliament contesting in Magoye East.

According to police, Sakala was found dead in the early hours of Tuesday inside a chalet at a campaign camp set up in Chivuna Village.

Officers who responded to the scene discovered him lying in a pool of blood with a deep cut to his throat. The nature of the injury suggested a fatal attack with a sharp object.

Namalongo said the man now in custody was the last person known to have been with Sakala before the killing. Investigators believe that timeline makes him a key person of interest.

He has been detained while police continue to gather statements, examine the scene, and trace any other witnesses who may have information about what happened that night.

The body has been taken to Mazabuka General Hospital Mortuary. A postmortem examination will be carried out to establish the exact cause of death and to collect forensic evidence that can support the investigation.

Police have not released further details about a possible motive, and they are appealing to the public for anyone with relevant information to come forward.

Chief Hanjalika’s area has seen increased political activity in recent weeks as independent and party candidates set up camps and hold community meetings ahead of the August poll. Magoye East Constituency is one of several seats where independent candidates are testing support against established parties. The killing of a campaign worker has raised concerns about safety for political teams operating in rural areas.

Confucius Mweene’s campaign team described Sakala as a committed member of staff who had been assisting with logistics and transport for outreach activities. Family members in Lusaka were informed, and arrangements are being made for them to travel to Mazabuka. The campaign has not said whether activities will be suspended, but it has called for calm and for the law to take its course.

Police say they have secured the camp and the surrounding area to preserve evidence. Forensic officers processed the chalet on Tuesday morning, and exhibits have been submitted for analysis. Investigators are also reviewing any items found at the scene that could link the suspect to the crime.

Namalongo stressed that the case is being handled as a murder investigation and that no one should speculate while inquiries are ongoing. He urged political actors to avoid inflammatory statements and to allow the police to complete their work. The suspect will remain in custody as officers build a docket for possible court proceedings.

Community leaders in Chivuna Village said the incident has shocked residents. Local headmen called for restraint and for residents to cooperate with police. They noted that campaign periods can be tense, and they encouraged all parties to respect one another and to resolve disputes through proper channels.

The killing comes at a time when stakeholders are emphasizing peaceful campaigning. The Electoral Commission of Zambia, civil society groups, and traditional leaders have repeatedly appealed for calm during the election season. Security agencies have increased patrols in some constituencies to protect candidates, supporters, and campaign infrastructure.

For the Mweene campaign, the loss of Sakala is both personal and operational. He was reportedly responsible for moving team members and materials between villages. His death will require adjustments to transport plans at a critical point in the campaign calendar. Supporters in Magoye East have expressed condolences and have asked authorities to ensure a thorough investigation.

Southern Province police say they will update the public once the postmortem results are available and once further investigative steps are completed. At this stage, the focus remains on establishing a clear sequence of events on the night of the attack, verifying witness accounts, and determining what led to the fatal confrontation.

As the 2026 election approaches, the incident is a reminder of the risks faced by campaign workers in the field. Parties, independent candidates, and security agencies will be expected to put measures in place to protect staff, secure camps, and prevent escalation of tensions.

For now, one man is dead, a suspect is detained, and a constituency campaign has been interrupted by violence. The outcome of the police investigation will determine what charges follow and how justice is pursued in the case of Stanley Sakala.