Police in Chipata Zambia, have detained eight Lusaka-based members of the opposition Socialist Party on allegations of posing as election agents during the ongoing Dilika Ward by-elections.

Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, Robertson Mweemba, confirmed the arrests to local media, stating that the suspects were found in possession of various items, including two axes, a shovel, a screwdriver, a catapult, and pepper spray.

The detained individuals have been identified as Samuel Kabalamwe, Melvin Sichinga, John Phiri, Nathan Maiba, Christopher Chunguvu, Doubt Abbubaka, Rodgers Mporokoso, and Arnold Bwalya, all residents of Lusaka.

The arrests took place in the Magwero area of Dilika Ward at around 04:00 hours today. The suspects are facing charges of assault and malicious damage to property, following allegations that they attacked two individuals and damaged a vehicle belonging to Lyson Nyirenda, the UPND Provincial Youth Chairperson.

Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to establish the full details surrounding the incident.