Editor’s note: This claim was made by the speaker and has not been independently verified.

The political temperature in Zambia has reached a boiling point as opposition figures lock horns with law enforcement agencies in the final stretch leading up to the national elections. Presidential contender Brian Mundubile has come out guns blazing, demanding immediate transparency from the Zambia Police Service regarding the whereabouts of Kopulande and the reported detention of over thirty individuals during campaign trails in Mongu, Western Province. The escalating confrontation highlights growing anxieties surrounding electoral freedom, state security, and the rule of law in Zambia's vibrant yet increasingly polarized democratic landscape. According to reports emerging from the campaign trail, the disturbances in Mongu unfolded when police intervention abruptly halted political gatherings, resulting in chaotic scenes where teargas canisters were fired near crowds. Opposition camps have decried the actions as a calculated attempt to stifle democratic engagement and cripple mobilization efforts in critical provincial strongholds. In addition to the detentions, allegations surrounding the seizure of millions of Kwacha in campaign funds have further inflamed political passions, with opposition strategists accusing the ruling administration of weaponizing state apparatuses to tilt the electoral playing field. Civil society organizations and legal watchdogs have expressed profound concern over the escalating friction between security wings and political actors. Observers note that free movement, unhindered assembly, and equitable access to financial and media resources are non-negotiable pillars for credible elections. As tension reverberates through local communities and digital platforms alike, stakeholders across the political divide are being urged to exercise utmost restraint to preserve national peace, stability, and the democratic ethos that Zambia has historically championed across the Southern African region. With polling day fast approaching, the pressu