Police reported looting in some malls and small shops in the capital Lusaka and some parts of the Copperbelt Province.
Videos were awash with pictures of destruction and looting of a mall located in outgoing President Edgar Lungu’s home town of Kitwe in the Copperbelt, showing strewn debris and broken glass.
Zambians thronged streets from the wee hours of Monday morning to celebrate businessman Hakainde Hichilema’s election victory.
Zambia's electoral commission chairperson Esau Chulu early Monday declared Mr Hichilema winner with 2,810,757 votes — translating to 59.38 per cent — against Mr Lungu’s 1,814,201 (38.33 per cent).
He announced the results with 155 out of 156 constituencies reporting results, saying the results from the remaining one constituency would not materially influence the outcome.
After the official announcement was made slightly before 2.35am, Mr Hichilema’s supporters went into a frenzy, popping champagne in celebration.
By mid-morning, people were singing and celebrating in the streets of Lusaka.
Looting
However, police reported looting in some malls and small shops in the capital Lusaka and some parts of the Copperbelt Province.
Videos were awash with pictures of destruction and looting of a mall located in outgoing President Edgar Lungu’s home town of Kitwe in the Copperbelt, showing strewn debris and broken glass.
“Soon all those that have taken part in the looting will be fished out and be prosecuted according to the provisions of the law,” Zambia Police spokesperson said in a statement.
“Officers from Defence and Security wings have already arrested some criminals who took part in the looting and damaging of property.”
Police said lawlessness will not be tolerated.
The government had deployed troops to the streets ahead of the August 12 vote to quell any possible violence.