Event Summary
On 8 November 2025, President Hakainde Hichilema visited Chingola on the Copperbelt to express condolences and solidarity with victims of the Chiwempala Market fire. During his address, a group of individuals began chanting and throwing stones at the podium, prompting his security detail to evacuate him swiftly. The disturbance, reportedly fueled by frustrations over the closure of illegal mining activities, escalated into a riot involving vandalism and arson. A police vehicle (Toyota Land Cruiser ZP 2537 B) was attacked, its windscreen shattered, overturned, and set ablaze. The presidential holding tent, carpets, a portrait of the President, and other equipment were also destroyed. The Zambia Police Service later confirmed that calm had been restored, investigations launched, and order reestablished in Chingola following the violent incident.