NKOMBO REGRETS AFTER HIS ARREST

The former UPND chairman for Elections and campaigns was charged with two counts of assault and detained yesterday at Mazabuka Central police. He told journalists outside after the interview that he denied both counts and hopeful that justice will prevail. He was later released on police bond. 

In a strongly worded statement issued on his official Facebook page after his arrest, Nkombo said he was charged for what he described as "assaulting my attackers" during the violence that erupted on May 20, 2026, when he arrived to file his nomination papers  at the time allocated to him by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).

Nkombo maintained that the individuals who allegedly attacked him had not been scheduled to file nominations at that particular time. He further claimed that the attack against him happened in full view of police officers, whom he accused of failing to intervene.

He said: "The Bilden attack on me in full view of Zambia Police is not an isolated incident. It is part of a growing and deeply concerning decay of democracy and failing institutions in Zambia."

The former Local Government Minister accused his political opponents of using violence to silence his campaign, arguing that such conduct goes against the values Zambians voted for in the 2021 elections.

In what appeared to be his strongest statement since officially leaving UPND the party he says he still loves, Nkombo said: "If I had known during our struggle what I know now, I would have chosen a different path."

Despite his frustrations, he vowed not to abandon his political ambitions, assuring the people of Mazabuka that he remains committed to representing their interests.

Nkombo also said the events surrounding his arrest have become a test for Zambia's law enforcement and justice system. He pledged to continue documenting developments and to follow legal advice as the matter progresses through the courts.

He thanked his supporters for standing with him and for defending what he described as their democratic rights.

JUST TO UNLOCK YOUR MIND

Police in Southern Province in their official statement said the case against Garry Nkombo stems from two reports filed on May 20, 2026, by Bilden Shaloba and Emmanuel Mweemba, who alleged that they were assaulted by Nkombo and his supporters during disturbances at the Mazabuka Civic Centre.

Southern province police Commanding officer Moono Namalongo said, the two men had gone to support UPND candidate Vincent Lilanda during the filing of nomination papers. Following investigations, Nkombo was summoned, cautioned, and later charged with two counts of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm. 

The charges come days after Nkombo publicly complained that he was the victim of violence during the same incident and accused police of failing to protect him.

[Brave Heart News  | UnlockingMinds]