Ex-Zambian Minister Dies in Lusaka Security Operation, Police Say

Zambian police have confirmed the death of Mutotwe Kafwaya, a former minister, who was fatally wounded during a security raid targeting a property linked to opposition leader Brian Mundubile in Lusaka. The incident occurred on Friday, just one day after Zambia's recent presidential election.

Authorities stated that Kafwaya's death resulted from an exchange of gunfire between security personnel and unidentified individuals. According to a report by the BBC on Thursday, law enforcement officials indicated that a joint security task force conducted the operation, leading to the apprehension of 11 individuals.

The authorities have accused Mundubile’s political coalition of involvement in insurgency and militia activities, further claiming that weapons were confiscated during the raid. Mundubile, who has since gone into hiding, vehemently denied these accusations, labelling them as “total fabrications.” He also stated that he had received no information regarding Kafwaya’s whereabouts following the shooting during the operation.

In a formal statement confirming Kafwaya’s demise, the police elaborated that security forces “encountered gunfire and resistance from unknown individuals, resulting in [them] returning fire.” The statement added, “In the process one unidentified male person was fatally wounded, and the firearm was recovered.” Kafwaya was later identified by members of his family.

The 49-year-old political figure first entered parliament in 2016. He subsequently held ministerial positions, serving as Minister of Works and Supply, and later as Minister of Transport and Communications under the administration of former President Edgar Lungu. Kafwaya maintained his role as an opposition Member of Parliament after Lungu's defeat in the 2021 election to current President Hakainde Hichilema.

President Hichilema was declared the victor of the August 13 presidential election, securing approximately 60% of the votes, while Mundubile garnered about 38%. Mundubile has announced his intention to challenge the election outcome in court, citing alleged irregularities in the voting process.

The period following the election has been marked by heightened political tensions, including the arrests of several opposition figures during the aforementioned security raid. The United Nations human rights chief has voiced apprehension concerning these arrests, urging Zambian authorities to uphold the due-process rights of all detainees. Similarly, the European Union election observation mission expressed worries about the vote-counting procedures, highlighting issues such as delays, inadequate verification protocols, and a significant military presence at various tallying centres.

The circumstances surrounding Mutotwe Kafwaya’s death are anticipated to undergo intense scrutiny, as calls for greater transparency regarding the security operation and the treatment of opposition figures in the wake of the election continue to intensify.