FORMER SECURITY GUARD CAUGHT AFTER MONTHS ON RUN FOR ATTACKING MAZABUKA MP VINCENT LILANDA DURING CAMPAIGNS

The long manhunt for a former security guard accused of launching a violent assault on Mazabuka Central parliamentary candidate Vincent Lilanda has come to an end, following a citizen-led apprehension in the Southern Province district. Mike Moonga, previously employed by Roma Security Company, was tracked down and captured by alert community members after spending months evading law enforcement. The suspect had been on the run since the dramatic incident earlier in the electoral cycle, which sent shockwaves through the local political landscape and triggered heightened security concerns among various political camps. The attack on Mr. Lilanda—who is well-known in the region following his long tenure as the Mayor of Mazabuka—occurred during a tense period of political campaigning. According to initial reports from regional party officials, the incident was immediately flagged as a potential politically motivated act, drawing sharp condemnations from civil society and political stakeholders alike who feared a descent into electoral violence. The involvement of a private security operative assigned to duties near the candidate's premises added layers of complexity to the preliminary police investigations, prompting swift calls for a thorough inquiry into whether outside elements or personal grievances had fueled the confrontation. Local law enforcement confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody and is expected to appear before the courts to answer charges relating to the assault. The Zambia Police Service has repeatedly urged members of the public to exercise restraint and allow due process to take its course, especially as the nation navigates heightened political activities leading up to general elections. Community leaders in Mazabuka have expressed relief over the apprehension, emphasizing that acts of violence against political aspirants undermine democratic tenets and threaten public safety. Legal experts note that the case will serve as a crucial test