30/07/2025
ZAMBIA POLICE SERVICE
PRESS STATEMENT
ARREST OF 79 SUSPECTS FOR RIOTOUS BEHAVIOUR – CHINGOLA DISTRICT
July 30,2025-The Zambia Police Service wishes to inform the general public that a total of Seventy-Nine (79) suspects have been apprehended and are currently in police custody in connection with acts of Riotous Behaviour that erupted today, 30th July, 2025, in Chingola District.
This followed a disturbance by irate Jeraboos (informal small-scale miners) who had been recently displaced from the Senseli Open Pit. The group resorted to violence and wanton destruction of property, targeting public infrastructure and private businesses in Chiwempala Township, Lulamba Township, and Mwaiseni Trading Area.
Police officers were swiftly deployed to restore law and order. However, they met stiff resistance from the unruly mob, which included not only the Jeraboos but also criminal-minded individuals who joined in to take advantage of the chaos.
CIVILIAN CASUALTIES:
Tragically, four civilians who were actively involved in the riots sustained injuries, with one fatality recorded:
1.M’ Bwalya Nsanda (22) of Tula Compound, Chiwempala, was shot dead after sustaining a gunshot wound to the left side of the chest. The body has been deposited in the Nchanga North Hospital Mortuary.
2.Patrick Musenge (33) of Chikola Township sustained a gunshot wound to the right pelvic area.
3.Timothy Musonda, age unknown, of Chiwempala Township suffered severe hand injuries after attempting to pick up a police hand gr***de.
4. A male juvenile aged 13 of Chingola, sustained a gunshot wound to the left hand.
All injured individuals have been admitted to Nchanga North Hospital for medical attention.
POLICE INJURIES:
Seven officers sustained injuries during efforts to disperse the riotous crowd:
1.Assistant Superintendent James Lwanja (50) – multiple head cuts, hand bruises, swollen jaw.
2.Assistant Superintendent Lubomba Kabandama (45) – facial cuts and hand bruises.
3.Chief Inspector Daniel Kanyanta (52) – swollen right calf from stoning.
4.Constable Onongani Phiri (35) – head injury due to stoning.
5.Sergeant Mkandawire Julius – painful right arm from falling off a moving vehicle.
6.Constable Chisanga Francis – chest pains and leg bruises from mob beating.
7.Constable Obed Sakaleni – facial cuts due to stoning.
Except for Sgt. Mkandawire, all injured officers are under observation at Nchanga North Hospital.
DAMAGE TO POLICE INFRASTRUCTURE:
Mathews Nkhuwa Police Post in Chinkola area was vandalized using stones and other projectiles. Eleven (11) motor vehicles parked for safekeeping at the post were extensively damaged. The damaged vehicles include:
1.SPACIO Reg No. BCD 4032
2.SIENTER Reg No. ADF 902
3.ROSA Bus Reg No. AAT 9677
4.ROSA Bus Reg No. AID 9302
5.ROSA Bus Reg No. ACJ 4093
6.Toyota Corolla Reg No. ACV 7011
7.TATA Truck Reg No. BLD 2878
8.Saloon Corolla Reg No. ACJ 9889
9.VOXY Reg No. ACL 65100
10.Isuzu T-King Reg No. BAF 6236
11.Volvo Truck Reg No. AEG 3015
The owners of the affected vehicles are being traced for further documentation and statements.
BURNT EQUIPMENT:
Two earth-moving equipment (a compactor and grader) parked near Chawama Clinic in Chiwempala, part of ongoing road works, were set ablaze. The value of this loss has not yet been ascertained, and investigations are underway to identify the owners.
LOOTED BUSINESSES:
Several business premises were looted including:
1.Antelope Milling Retail Shop – Maiteneke, Chiwempala
2.Mataba Milling Company – Lulamba Township
3.Termites Butchery – Chiwempala
4.Mobile Phone Shop – Chiwempala
5.Council Hostels – Chiwempala Road
6.Wholesale Shop – Chiwempala Township
The value of stolen property remains undetermined. However, some stolen items including bags of mealie meal, bicycles and accessories have since been recovered. Recovery efforts are still ongoing.
ARRESTS AND CURRENT STATUS:
Seventy-nine (79) suspects have been detained and are being held at various police stations in Chingola District. They will appear in court soon on charges relating to Riotous Behaviour, Malicious Damage to Property, Assault on Police Officers, and Theft.
The situation in Chingola has now been brought under control and calm has returned to the affected areas. Police continue to maintain presence on the ground to prevent further disturbances.
The Zambia Police Service sternly warns all individuals contemplating engaging in such lawless conduct that we will not hesitate to act decisively within the confines of the law to protect life and property.
Rae Hamoonga
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
