Source: Africa Publicity
An irate mob attacked Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema’s with stones at a rally on Saturday, November 8, 2025, moving on to burn property including a presidential holding tent, floor carpet, carpet runners, a presidential portrait, and a police vehicle.
President Hichilema was addressing residents of Chiwempala in Chingola on Saturday afternoon and his address was abruptly disrupted after the mob began throwing stones toward the dais where he was speaking.
The incident occurred while the President was engaging residents on issues affecting the Copperbelt town. Witnesses say tensions rose when some members of the crowd began shouting, before a few resorted to hurling stones in the President’s direction.
Security personnel quickly intervened, shielding President Hichilema and whisking him away from the scene. No injuries were reported.
Gunshots
Police spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga disclosed in a statement that when police officers moved in to contained the situation, the crowd became violent and started charging towards the venue where President Hichilema was speaking.
According to the statement, for security reasons, the President was safely whisked away and escorted to the landing pad at Chikola Secondary School grounds.
The statement added that “However, the violent mob followed the Presidential motorcade, throwing stones at vehicles. In the process, the police Toyota Land Cruiser was attacked, its windscreen completely shattered before being overturned and set ablaze.”
It says police Superintendent Kanondo, aged 48, who was driving the vehicle, discharged 10 rounds of pistol ammunition into the air in an effort to disperse the mob, but to no avail.
Before the disruption, President Hichilema had urged calm and reassured residents that government was working to address their concerns, particularly those related to the recent Chiwempala market fire and challenges surrounding local mining operations.
In a statement released shortly after the incident on his official Facebook page, President Hichilema reaffirmed his commitment to improving the lives of Zambians despite the challenges faced.
“Fellow citizens, this afternoon we took time to address our people in Chingola’s Chiwempala area following the unfortunate event that saw the biggest market burning to ashes here on the Copperbelt,” he wrote.
“Our people also raised very pertinent issues affecting them in regards to the mine and their desire to continue mining at Senseli. The message is loud and clear and we will work round the clock and ensure that this is done. We are determined more than ever before to turn around our people’s lives even amidst these challenges. We shall do so lawfully. Once more. Thank you to the people of Chiwempala.”
Despite the tense incident, President Hichilema emphasized that his government remains focused on addressing the economic and social concerns of the Copperbelt residents.
