Zambia Army Nips Looting Schemes in the Bud

Troops Patrol Lusaka Areas to Protect Shops and Restore Calm

The Zambia Army has moved to prevent planned looting in parts of Lusaka after troops conducted patrols in areas where some individuals were reportedly targeting shops.

The military operation took place on August 18, 2026, with soldiers carrying out motorised patrols in Kamwala, Chawama, Chaisa and Mtendere East. The patrols were conducted under the command of Brigadier General Maybin Muyanga.

Army Steps Up Patrols in Lusaka

According to the Zambia Army, the patrols were aimed at preventing unscrupulous individuals from taking advantage of the situation to loot businesses and disrupt peace in the affected communities.

Speaking during the patrols, Brigadier General Muyanga assured residents that the Army would continue monitoring the areas until normalcy and tranquillity were fully maintained.

He said the military remains committed to protecting people and their property whenever its intervention is required.

Army Says It Will Protect Lives and Property

Brigadier General Muyanga described the Zambia Army as a people’s institution and said it would not hesitate to intervene when necessary to safeguard lives and property.

The presence of troops in the affected communities was intended to discourage individuals who may have been planning to take advantage of the situation to target shops and other businesses.

The patrols also provided reassurance to residents and business owners concerned about the safety of their property.

Kamwala Market Welcomes Military Presence

The intervention was welcomed by Kamwala Market Chairperson Bobkins Chipeso, who thanked the soldiers for helping restore peace at the market.

Chipeso said unruly individuals had attempted to loot shops, creating concern among marketeers and business owners.

He said the presence of the Army had helped restore confidence among people operating at the market and demonstrated that authorities were prepared to respond when individuals attempted to take advantage of vulnerable situations.

Market Traders Express Confidence

According to Chipeso, marketeers have confidence in the ability of the Zambia Army to intervene whenever some individuals attempt to disrupt businesses or disadvantage other members of the community.

The situation highlights the importance of maintaining security around markets and commercial areas, where incidents of looting can quickly affect traders, customers and surrounding communities.

The Army’s continued patrols are expected to serve as a deterrent against further attempts to target businesses in the affected parts of Lusaka.

Patrols to Continue

Brigadier General Muyanga said the Army would continue conducting patrols until total tranquillity prevails.

The move is intended to ensure that residents can continue with their daily activities without fear of attacks on businesses or property.

For shop owners and marketeers, maintaining security is particularly important because businesses can suffer significant losses when shops are looted or damaged.

The Zambia Army has therefore reaffirmed its commitment to working to protect communities whenever its intervention is required.

The patrols in Kamwala, Chawama, Chaisa and Mtendere East demonstrate the security measures being undertaken to prevent planned disturbances before they escalate.

With troops remaining on patrol, residents and business owners in the affected areas have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with security authorities.