Police have arrested 27 people, drawn from both the ruling and opposition camps, following incidents of political violence in Copperbelt and Central Province townships.

The unrest comes as campaigning for the general election enters its final and most volatile stretch.

Police public relations officer Godfrey Chilabi said 14 suspects, aligned to the Tonse Alliance and the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity, were arrested after violence broke out during unauthorised roadshows in Chifubu and Kawama townships.

A separate group of 13 suspected United Party for National Development supporters was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct in Twapia Township on the same day.

Chilabi said the Tonse Alliance had properly notified police of planned presidential rallies in Kafulafuta and Twapia. Some supporters, however, went on to hold unapproved roadshows through Chifubu and Kawama.

When officers moved in to enforce compliance, a section of the crowd turned violent and threw stones at police.

“Tonse Alliance had notified police of its planned presidential campaign rallies in Kafulafuta and Twapia, but some supporters later conducted roadshows in Chifubu and Kawama townships without prior notice.”

“When police officers moved in to ensure compliance with the law, some supporters became violent and threw stones at the police,” Chilabi said.

The 14 suspects were formally charged with unlawful procession and have since been released on police bond.

In the separate Twapia incident, the 13 UPND supporters were detained, formally charged with disorderly conduct, and paid admission-of-guilt fines before being released.

Twapia Police Station also received a report the same day of a break-in and theft at the UPND secretariat offices at Twapia Old Market.

The report was filed by Henry Kabwebwe, 39, an aspiring UPND councillor for the ward, who said unknown persons forcibly entered the offices and stole two motorcycles and four bicycles.

Their combined value has not yet been established, and investigations continue.

Kitwe Central Police Station recorded seven separate reports of malicious damage to property believed to be politically motivated.

Chilabi said the damaged vehicles belonged to, or were being used by, NRPUP officials and supporters. Five of the incidents occurred at Sherbourne Hotel, while two others happened along Boma Street and near Mukuba Mall.

Seven dockets for malicious damage to property have been opened. Officers visited and processed the affected scenes before launching formal investigations.

“A task force has been constituted to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that all persons involved in the criminal acts are identified and brought to justice,” Chilabi said.

He appealed to the public to reject electoral violence, provocation, hate speech and misinformation that could undermine a peaceful vote.

“All organisers of political activities are urged to adhere to the campaign time-table issued by the Electoral Commission of Zambia and to conduct their activities peacefully, with respect for the rights of others,” he said.

This week’s arrests are the latest in a series of campaign-related flashpoints reported on the Copperbelt, a province regarded as pivotal to the outcome of the vote given its dense urban electorate and history of closely contested results.

Operation Young Vote executive director Isaac Mwale said elections are judged not only by what happens on the day people cast their ballots, but by how institutions, political actors, the media and citizens conduct themselves throughout the campaign period.

“Public confidence can be strengthened or undermined by stakeholder actions,” Mwale said.

He added that his organisation’s review of the campaign environment showed the process remained broadly on track despite isolated incidents.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia’s code of conduct requires parties to notify police of planned processions and rallies in advance, and obliges supporters to refrain from violence, property damage or provocation.

This week’s incidents illustrate the strain that enforcement of that code is coming under as candidates enter the final stretch of the race. The newly formed task force now faces pressure to secure prosecutions quickly enough to deter further confrontations before voters head to the polls.

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