Two Chipata Motorbike Passengers Assaulted After Allegedly Failing to Pay Fare

Two people have been injured after they were allegedly assaulted by a group of motorbike riders in Chipata, Zambia, following a dispute over transport fares.

The incident occurred at around 2:30 p.m. on July 27, 2026, and was reported to Chipata Central Police Station shortly afterwards.

According to Eastern Province Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba, the victims have been identified as 23-year-old Moses Mbewe and 17-year-old Godfrey Chikoya, both residents of the Chipata Central Police Camp.

Mweemba said police officers rushed to the scene after receiving reports of an assault and found the two victims being attacked by a group of motorbike riders. The suspects reportedly fled when they noticed the police approaching.

The victims were rescued and taken to Chipata Central Hospital for treatment.

Mbewe sustained multiple cuts to the head and bruises on his back before being referred for surgery, while Chikoya suffered a head injury and complained of general body pains. He was treated and later discharged after his condition stabilized.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the victims, together with a third man identified as Danny Shonga, had hired two motorbike riders from Chipata town centre to Mwanachanda Lodge.

Upon arrival, they discovered that the lodge was still under construction and requested to be taken to Nyafinzi Lodge instead.

According to Mweemba, once they reached the second destination, the riders demanded payment, but the three passengers allegedly failed to pay, resulting in an argument.

Police say the two riders then called for backup, and a larger group of motorbike riders allegedly descended on the passengers, assaulting Mbewe and Chikoya. Shonga reportedly managed to escape unharmed.

Police have since issued medical report forms to the victims, while four motorbike riders have been arrested to assist with ongoing investigations.