Tonse Alliance supporters  arrested in Roma after they were found armed with pangas and other weapons

Law enforcement agencies in Lusaka have stepped up security patrols following a major security incident along Zambezi Road in the upscale Roma residential area, where several suspected supporters of the opposition Tonse Alliance were intercepted and arrested. According to preliminary police reports, the suspects were found traveling in a vehicle and were heavily armed with offensive weapons, including pangas, machetes, and other tools of violence. The prompt intervention by security forces helped avert potential clashes as the nation experiences heightened political polarization during the ongoing electoral season. The apprehension of the opposition-linked group underscores the growing anxieties surrounding political violence and the security of citizens and voters. Authorities have repeatedly warned political actors across the divide against engaging in lawlessness or moving around with dangerous implements under the guise of mobilizing or safeguarding party interests. The Zambia Police Service has maintained that anyone found breaching public peace or carrying offensive weapons will face the full wrath of the law, regardless of their political affiliation. This latest development adds to a series of similar security interventions recorded in various parts of the country in recent weeks, where police have intercepted vehicles and groups linked to political parties carrying unauthorized weapons and campaign materials. Stakeholders, civil society organizations, and religious bodies have continually appealed for calm, urging political leaders to rein in their supporters and promote peaceful civic engagement rather than resorting to intimidation and aggression. As investigations intensify, police have indicated that further sweeps and heightened patrols will continue across flashpoint areas in Lusaka and other provinces. The public has been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or movements to law enforcement agencies. Authorities reiterate t