Polling agent dies in election violence, police say

A polling agent has died after he was allegedly assaulted by a group of people at Kasamba Polling Station on August 13, 2026 in Matero. In an update on the security situation, Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba said while the general conduct of the elections was peaceful, police recorded isolated incidents in some parts

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A polling agent has died after he was allegedly assaulted by a group of people at Kasamba Polling Station on August 13, 2026 in Matero.

In an update on the security situation, Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba said while the general conduct of the elections was peaceful, police recorded isolated incidents in some parts of the country, particularly in Lusaka, Kalomo, Luwingu, Kasama, Isoka, Mafinga, Chingola, Mkushi and Kabompo.

Mr Musamba said in Matero, Lusaka Province, police apprehended nine suspects in connection with the alleged murder of Lovemore Chishima, 57, a polling agent who was allegedly assaulted by a group of people at Kasamba Polling Station on August 13 and later died.

“The suspects are currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing,” Mr Musamba said.

In a separate incident, police apprehended and detained six suspects who were found in possession of offensive weapons.

Mr Musamba said the items recovered included nine machetes, 22 rounds of ammunition and a Toyota Land Cruiser bearing registration number BAD 8622.

He said following the recoveries, police were 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,” Mr Musamba said.

Meanwhile, 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 Acting Permanent Secretary for Northern Province Beauty Undi-Phiri.

“The incident occurred on August 14, 2026. One suspect has since been apprehended and is currently in police custody. Investigations are ongoing,” he said.

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