Sean Tembo summoned by police over seized weapons in Lusaka

9 Views Police in Lusaka have arrested six people and recovered 22 rounds of ammunition and other items from a motor vehicle during election-day security operations. Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi said officers intercepted the vehicle as part of nationwide stop-and-search activities being carried out to safeguard voting and the counting process. According to Chilabi, the […]

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Police in Lusaka have arrested six people and recovered 22 rounds of ammunition and other items from a motor vehicle during election-day security operations.

Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi said officers intercepted the vehicle as part of nationwide stop-and-search activities being carried out to safeguard voting and the counting process.

According to Chilabi, the search also yielded campaign materials belonging to Roma independent parliamentary candidate Sean Tembo.

Because of that, police have asked Tembo to present himself to assist with investigations.

Police have not stated that Tembo was among those arrested.

They have also not, on the information currently available, established any direct connection between him and the recovered ammunition.

“At this stage, we are appealing to Tembo to avail himself so that we can establish facts around the materials found in the vehicle,” Chilabi said.

The six people in custody are assisting police with inquiries.

Investigations are ongoing to determine ownership of the ammunition, the purpose for which it was being transported, and any links to election activities.

In a separate development, Ross Kasikili, the United Party for National Development (UPND) parliamentary candidate for Roma, has lodged a report with police containing further allegations against Tembo.

The report includes claims involving pangas and a firearm.

Police said these are allegations that will be investigated and should not be treated as proven fact at this stage. No charges have been announced in relation to that report.

Chilabi urged members of the public to avoid speculation while investigations continue and to provide any information that may assist police.

The recovery comes as police maintain a visible presence across polling areas on voting day. Stop-and-search operations, patrols and checkpoints have been deployed in Lusaka and other provinces to deter violence, prevent the movement of illegal items, and protect voters, election staff and materials.

With polls set to close at 18:00 hours, security attention is shifting toward the transportation of ballot boxes and the counting process at polling stations.

Chilabi said the priority is to ensure that voting ends peacefully and that results are handled in line with Electoral Commission of Zambia procedures.

“All political players and supporters are urged to remain calm, respect the law, and allow the electoral process to conclude without interference,” he said.

He added that police will continue to act on any reports of intimidation, possession of weapons near polling stations, or attempts to disrupt voting.

Roma, a constituency in Lusaka, has drawn attention during the campaign period with a competitive race between several candidates. The seat is being contested by Tembo as an independent and Kasikili representing the ruling UPND, among others.

Both candidates have held rallies and door-to-door campaigns in the area. Police said they are monitoring the constituency closely to ensure that supporters of all parties can participate without fear.

Authorities have asked anyone with information about the vehicle, the recovered items, or any election-related incidents to contact the nearest police station.

Chilabi reiterated that the six people arrested remain suspects and are presumed innocent until investigations are concluded.

“Let us finish this process peacefully,” he said. “Security agencies are on the ground to protect voters and to ensure that the will of the people is respected.”

Voting is continuing at polling stations across the country.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has said counting will begin immediately after polls close, with results to be tallied at constituency centers before transmission to the national results center.