Mob Burns Presidential Tent and Police Vehicle During President Hichilema’s Visit to Chingola – Watch
Mob Burns Presidential Tent and Police Vehicle During President Hichilema’s Visit to Chingola
An irate mob in Chingola set fire to property, including a presidential tent, carpet, portrait, and a police vehicle, during President Hakainde Hichilema’s visit this afternoon. The violence began around 14:00 hours when some people started looting shops while the President was addressing the public.
According to Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, officers tried to restore order, but the crowd turned violent, forcing the President to be safely evacuated to Chikola Secondary School. The mob later attacked the presidential motorcade, overturning and burning a police Land Cruiser.
A police officer, Superintendent Lloyd Kanondo, fired ten warning shots, but the mob persisted. Two suspects — Abraham Chilumbu (24) and Abraham Sichone (21) — have been arrested.
Destroyed items included government property and private assets, with the damage value yet to be determined. Calm has since been restored, and police patrols have been intensified. Hamoonga warned that such acts of violence and vandalism are criminal and will be met with the full force of the law.