Former Zambian Minister Killed in Post‑Election Security Raid
Security forces carried out a raid on a residence linked to opposition leader Brian Mundubile in the capital city of Lusaka on Friday, killing former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya in the ensuing gunfight. Kafwaya, a 49‑year‑old former cabinet minister for works and transport, was identified by investigators as the individual fatally wounded.
The police spokesman said the raid resulted in “gunfire and resistance from unknown individuals,” leading to a return fire that killed the unnamed male. Eleven people were arrested, and the authorities claimed Kafwaya’s house was a “militia hub” holding “high‑grade weapons.”
In the aftermath of Zambia’s presidential election, incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema secured a second five‑year term with 60% of the vote. Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile, who ran as a candidate for the NRPUP party, was defeated with 38% of the vote and says the count was tampered with. Mundubile has since gone into hiding and rejects the allegations against his party as “total fabrications.”
Regional and international observers described the election day as largely peaceful but raised concerns over late electoral reforms, media freedom and limited access to voters. In a report released by the EU election observation mission, the observers warned that the result‑tabulation process deteriorated after a six‑hour pause, citing violence against election staff and allegations of ballot‑box theft.
The mission noted that notification of results was delayed and that many tally sheets were not updated promptly. It also observed a “heavy military presence” at some polling sites and reported attacks on certain tallying centres. The observers called for maximal transparency and highlighted that the electoral commission had not published detailed polling‑station results.
Within Zambia, the Human Rights Commission has demanded accountability over individuals whose whereabouts remain unknown following arrests and security operations. The commission urged that anyone in detention beyond the legal period be taken to court or released, and called for independent investigations into alleged unlawful detentions or disappearances.
As the country continues to grapple with political unrest and law‑enforcement actions, the death of Mutotwe Kafwaya underscores the volatile climate surrounding Zambia’s post‑election environment.
