06/08/2026
PERPETRATORS OF ELECTORAL VIOLENCE TO FACE THE LAW, GOVERNMENT WARNS
By Vickram emmessa mubita, 6th August,2026
Government has warned that anyone involved in political violence ahead of the August 13 General Election will face the full force of the law, regardless of political affiliation.
This was the key message delivered during a joint press briefing today by Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Mr. Thabo Kawana and Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Permanent Secretary Mr. Dickson Matembo.
Mr. Matembo condemned the recent incidents of political violence and said Government will not shield anyone found breaking the law.
“Anyone found engaging in violence will face the full force of the law regardless of political affiliation,” he said. “The Zambia Police Service must swiftly investigate all reported cases of political violence and arrest perpetrators without favour or discrimination.”
He urged political parties, candidates and members of the public to comply with electoral laws to ensure peaceful campaigns and voting.
Mr. Matembo noted that some of the violence being witnessed was being orchestrated by “irresponsible cadres” seeking to create the impression that election campaigns were characterised by widespread violence.
“Government is aware of alleged plans to stage additional violence,” he said. “I appeal to individuals being recruited or coerced into participating to refuse involvement.”
He added that Government respects the rights of citizens and has no intention of harming the public. “Government’s responsibility is to protect lives and property. Violence has no place in our democratic process,” Mr. Matembo said. He called on the public to play their part in maintaining peace before, during and after the general election.
On his part, Mr. Kawana said the recent incidents of political violence were being deliberately orchestrated to portray Government and President Hakainde Hichilema in a negative light.
“Government is aware of what we can describe as a coordinated plan by political players to create an impression that the country’s election campaigns are characterised by violence,” Mr. Kawana stated.
He claimed the incidents were “planned, rehearsed and implemented,” with some individuals deliberately provoking confrontations with police to trigger the use of tear gas and reinforce claims of state-sponsored violence.
According to Mr. Kawana, the violence is being staged in selected areas, specifically Western, North-Western and Southern provinces.
He noted that President Hichilema has consistently condemned political violence despite his own experiences before assuming office, and reiterated Government’s zero-tolerance stance.
Both Permanent Secretaries appealed to young people not to allow themselves to be used.
“Do not allow yourselves to be recruited into acts of violence,” Mr. Kawana said. “Focus on education and reject attempts by political actors to exploit you for criminal activities.”
Mr. Kawana also called on members of the public to report anyone planning acts of violence to security wings.
“Preserving peace before, during and after the general election is a shared national responsibility,” he said.
Mr. Matembo echoed the call, urging all political players to embrace peaceful campaigns and to allow the law to take its course.
Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a free, fair and peaceful election on August 13.
(C) KFT GLOBAL MEDIA