Tonse Alliance supporters turn on each other
THE cracks within the Tonse Alliance have emerged after the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) parliamentary candidate accused members of a fellow alliance partner of assaulting him during a church service in Ndola.
Opposition NRPUP Ndola Central parliamentary candidate Joseph Chilinda has disclosed that he was attacked by suspected members of the Resolute Party inside the premises of UCZ St Paul’s Congregation in Chipulukusu Township yesterday.
The incident is said to have occurred during a church service attended by NRPUP president Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu, the leading figures within the opposition alliance.
According to a formal report seen by #Kalemba, Chilinda, lamented that a protocol officer approached him during the service and informed him that Mundubile wanted to see him outside.
Believing it was an official summons from his party leader, Chilinda followed the officer out of the sanctuary.
However, instead of meeting Mundubile, he found himself face-to-face with a group of Resolute Party cadres.
“Immediately I stepped outside, I was confronted by suspected Resolute Party cadres. They started kicking me, then lifted me up and dropped me on the ground,” Chilinda stated.
The parliamentary hopeful said the attack only came to an end after church members intervened and restrained the attackers.
“Members of the church came and stopped them from further assaulting me,” he said.
Chilinda further claimed that the incident was politically motivated and not a random act of violence.
He expressed concern that such an incident could occur at a place of worship during a service attended by senior opposition leaders.
“I am formally reporting this incident as NRPUP candidate for Ndola Central. This happened in the house of God during a service where NRPUP president Mundubile was in attendance,” said Chilinda.
Meanwhile, NRPUP Ndola district chairperson and mayoral candidate Kennedy Kasaba condemned the attack, saying political competition should be based on ideas rather than violence.
Kasaba said citizens expected leaders to provide solutions to national challenges instead of promoting conflict.
“We call for peace and unity during the campaign period. Citizens are looking up to leadership that will provide solutions to their challenges and drive development rather than promote violence and division,” said Kasaba.
Chilinda said the matter is expected to be reported to the Zambia Police Service, the Electoral Commission of Zambia and church authorities as he seeks justice and protection ahead of the August 13 general elections.
By Sanfronsa Mberi
Kalemba June 15, 2026