Presidents across the world are considered the most protected individuals, often surrounded by layers of intelligence, security detail, and advance surveillance to ensure their safety.
However, in a rare and shocking incident, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema was pelted with stones during a public rally in the Copperbelt region, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of his security apparatus.
According to a widely circulated video seen by Stesha News, chaos erupted mid-speech when a section of the crowd turned hostile, throwing stones and other objects toward the President.
His security team, visibly alarmed, swiftly formed a human shield around him as projectiles flew across the podium. Within seconds, the President was whisked away from the stage and escorted to his armored vehicle, which sped away from the scene amid screams and confusion.
Witnesses say the rally, which had begun peacefully, turned violent after some residents began chanting anti-government slogans. “People are angry.
They feel betrayed because the promises he made have not been kept,” said a local resident who requested anonymity. “Life has become harder, and corruption is still there. That’s why the people reacted.”
The incident reportedly occurred in Ndola, a key city in the Copperbelt Province—one of the regions that strongly supported Hichilema during his 2021 election victory.
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The President, who had pledged sweeping economic reforms and a crackdown on corruption, has in recent months faced mounting criticism over rising living costs and perceived inaction against graft.
Security analysts say the attack represents a significant lapse in presidential protection. “For the head of state to be physically endangered in such a manner points to a failure in advance intelligence and crowd control,” said Dr. Moses Chanda, a Lusaka-based security expert.
“Normally, the area should have been swept thoroughly by both the National Intelligence Service and the Secret Service before his arrival.”
Political commentators have also warned that the incident could signal a dangerous shift in Zambia’s political climate. “Being stoned in a region that once stood firmly behind him is not only a personal embarrassment but also a political disaster,” said political analyst Judith Mwewa. “It sends a message that public frustration is deep and widespread, even among his base.”
The Zambian Presidency has yet to issue an official statement regarding the attack, but sources within State House indicate that the President was not injured and is “in good health.” Security forces have since launched an investigation to identify those behind the assault.
Meanwhile, footage of the chaotic rally continues to circulate online, drawing mixed reactions. Supporters of Hichilema have condemned the violence as “unacceptable and dangerous,” while critics argue it reflects genuine public anger at what they call “unfulfilled promises and declining trust.”
As investigations continue, the incident underscores the delicate balance between leadership, accountability, and public expectation — and the growing frustration among Zambians who feel left behind in the President’s reform agenda.
WATCH The Video of the President being attacked below…..
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