Police charge 18 after riotous behaviour at Kitwe bus station

POLICE in Kitwe have charged 18 people following riotous behaviour and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace at Kitwe Local Bus Station on Tuesday.

Copperbelt Police Commissioner Rae Hamoonga said in a statement that the incident occurred on August 19, 2026, at around 11:30 hours at the bus station along Oxford Road in Kitwe Central Business District.

Mr. Hamoonga said police and other security officers moved in after reports that some individuals were conducting themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace, while others were engaged in riotous behaviour.

Following investigations, four bus station leaders were charged with Conduct Likely to Cause a Breach of the Peace. They are Tasicious Chileshe, 49; Gavus Chisha, 41; David Kaputo, 51; and Francis Mwewa, 33.

Fourteen other suspects were jointly charged with Unlawful Assembly. They are Edward Kunda, Dickson Chiyengi, Joshua Moyo, Isaac Zulu, Maxwell Moyo, Chola Moses, Chibeana Lungu, Emmanuel Musenge, Teddy Chibuye, Humphrey Sichone, Frank Mubanga, Mapalo Mwanza, Andrew Zyambo and Kachiza Kafulamika.

Mr. Hamoonga said Mr. Kaputo had been released on police bond to seek medical attention after alleging he was assaulted. The remaining 17 suspects are in police custody and are expected to appear in court soon.

The Commissioner said police remain committed to maintaining law and order and will not tolerate acts of violence or conduct likely to disturb public peace. He urged members of the public to resolve grievances through lawful channels.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

(Mwebantu, Friday, 21st August, 2026)