INSPECTOR General of Police Graphel Musamba has ordered a review of the police crowd control operation that led to the teargassing of the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance campaign rally in Mongu and Kalabo.

The directive follows Wednesday’s teargas incident, which disrupted the opposition rally in Western Province and sparked criticism from political stakeholders.

Police have also dismissed social media reports claiming that a person died during the incident.

In a statement, Thursday, Musamba said the review would also examine the disorderly conduct exhibited by some political supporters towards police officers during the operation.

“I have directed that a comprehensive review be conducted into the police crowd control and public order management operation undertaken yesterday (Wednesday) in Mongu and Kalabo districts during the Tonse-Pamodzi alliance campaign rally, where tear smoke was discharged. The review will also examine the disorderly conduct exhibited by some political supporters towards police officers during the operation. The purpose of the review is to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether the operation was conducted in accordance with the legal provisions governing public order management and the professional standards expected of the Zambian Police Service. The findings of the review will inform any appropriate action that may be necessary,” he stated.

Musamba added that no death was recorded during the Mongu rally.

“In this regard, the Zambia Police Service also wishes to categorically clarify that reports circulating on various social media platforms alleging that a person died during the Mongu incident are false. No death was recorded in connection with the operation. Members of the public are therefore urged to disregard such misinformation and rely only on verified information issued through official Zambia Police Service communication channels. The service remains steadfast in its constitutional mandate to create and maintain a safe, secure and conducive electoral environment in which all political parties and candidates can freely conduct lawful campaign activities,” he said.

Musamba also condemned the recent incidents of political violence reported in Shibuyunji, Livingstone and Luampa districts, saying such acts have no place in Zambia’s democratic process.

“The Zambia Police Service has noted with deep concern the recent incidents of political violence recorded in Shibuyunji District, Livingstone District, and Luampa District. Such acts of violence have no place in Zambia’s democratic process and will not be tolerated. The Zambia Police Service strongly condemns these acts of violence and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order before, during and after the 2026 general election. As the country approaches the general elections, the Zambia Police Service reminds all political parties, candidates, supporters and members of the public that peace and security are a shared responsibility,” he stated.

He said the Service would discharge its duties impartially, adding that it would take action against any person engaging in violence.

“The Zambia Police Service will continue to discharge its duties professionally, impartially and firmly, while taking decisive action against any person who engages in violence, intimidation or any other criminal conduct that threatens peace, public order and the integrity of the electoral process. The service fully associates itself with the statement issued by the President of the Republic of Zambia and Commander-in-Chief of the defence force, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, who stated that: ‘Violence, intimidation or lawlessness by any political party, candidate or supporter will not be tolerated.’ The service fully supports this position and wishes to assure all citizens that the law will be applied fairly, professionally and impartially, without regard to political affiliation,” said Musamba.

“Accordingly, I have directed all commanding officers in the affected areas to ensure that every person involved in these incidents is apprehended and brought before the courts without delay. No individual should imagine that political affiliation provides immunity from criminal prosecution. Anyone found wanting will face the full force of the law. All stakeholders are therefore urged to reject violence, exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law as Zambia prepares to hold peaceful, free and credible elections”.