Lusaka man alleged killed over “Mundubile/Makebi Bengile” campaign song laid to rest
…as election violence concerns grow
LUSAKA, July 11, 2026 – A Lusaka resident, Nelson Chikumbi, who was allegedly killed after playing an opposition campaign song, has been laid to rest at Leopards Hill Memorial Park Cemetery amid growing concerns over politically-related violence ahead of Zambia’s August 13 General Election.
According to the family and reports by Emmanuel Mwamba TV (EMV), the burial was marked by emotional scenes as relatives, friends and residents of John Laing Township paid their final respects.
Chikumbi is alleged to have been attacked while repairing a radio that was playing the “Mundubile/Makebi Bengile” campaign song associated with National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRP-UP) presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu.
Opposition figures have alleged that he was attacked by suspected United Party for National Development (UPND) supporters. However, the Zambia Police Service had not, by the time of publication, publicly confirmed the motive for the killing or announced the outcome of investigations into the incident.
The UPND had also not issued an official response to the allegations at the time of publication.
Fresh violence reported in Mangango
Meanwhile, concerns over political violence have continued to emerge from different parts of the country.
The latest incident is reported to have occurred in Mangango District in Western Province, where a video circulating on social media appears to show a group of individuals wearing UPND regalia carrying stones and sticks while moving through the area.
The authenticity of the video and the circumstances surrounding the incident have not been independently verified by Zambian Eye, and the Zambia Police Service has not yet issued a statement regarding the matter.
Political stakeholders have continued calling on law enforcement agencies to investigate all reported incidents of election-related violence regardless of the political affiliation of those involved.
Calls for peaceful campaigns
The incidents come as Zambia enters the final weeks of campaigning ahead of the August 13, 2026 General Election, which is expected to be one of the country’s most closely contested elections.
The presidential race has largely centred on incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema of the UPND, who is seeking a second term, and Tonse Pamodzi Alliance-backed NRP-UP candidate Brian Mundubile.
Violence has overshadowed previous elections
Political violence has periodically marred Zambia’s election campaigns over the years.
Ahead of the 2021 General Election, clashes between rival political supporters were reported in several districts, resulting in injuries, loss of property and, in some cases, fatalities. Those incidents prompted appeals from churches, civil society organisations, traditional leaders and international observer missions for peaceful campaigns and restraint by political parties.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), the Zambia Police Service and other stakeholders have repeatedly urged political parties and their supporters to conduct issue-based campaigns and refrain from violence, intimidation and hate speech.
As campaigning intensifies, attention is expected to remain on the conduct of political parties and the response of law enforcement agencies to allegations of election-related violence.
Police are yet to provide an official update on the circumstances surrounding Nelson Chikumbi’s death or the reported incident in Mangango.
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