**Ex-Zambian Minister Killed in Post-Election Shooting**
Lusaka, Zambia – Mutotwe Kafwaya, a former transport minister and opposition politician, was shot dead by security forces during a raid on the residence of presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, just one day after the recent elections in Zambia. The incident occurred on August 14, 2023, in the capital, Lusaka, and has raised significant concerns regarding the political climate in the country following the elections.
Zambian police chief Graphel Musamba reported that a joint security task force was conducting an operation targeting suspected militia activity and an alleged armed insurrection when they encountered “gunfire and resistance from unknown individuals.” During the exchange, security forces returned fire, resulting in the fatal wounding of Kafwaya, who was initially unidentified but later confirmed by family members.
The raid led to the arrest of eleven individuals, including several senior opposition figures. Authorities stated that military-grade weapons and ammunition were recovered during the operation, which they described as necessary for maintaining national security.
Mundubile, who was present during the raid, vehemently denied the government's claims, labeling them as “total fabrications.” He alleged that he witnessed officers shoot Kafwaya twice, characterizing the operation as an assassination attempt against him.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, the Information Ministry initially dismissed reports of Kafwaya's death. Defense Ministry Permanent Secretary Maambo Haamaundu confirmed that there were no records of Kafwaya at Maina Soko Medical Center. However, police later confirmed his death after family members identified him as the man killed during the raid.
On Thursday, Patrick Kangwa, Secretary to the Cabinet, expressed condolences to Kafwaya's family, stating that the government regretted his death. He emphasized that no further comments would be made while the investigation is ongoing and urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation about the incident.
Kafwaya had a notable political career, having served as the transport and communications minister under former President Edgar Lungu from July 2019 until August 2021. He represented the Lunte constituency in parliament, having been elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2021.
The raid and subsequent shooting came on the heels of a tense election period in Zambia, which has historically maintained a reputation for peaceful voting since the return to multiparty democracy in 1991. President Hakainde Hichilema was re-elected with 60.5% of the valid votes, while Mundubile received approximately 38%. Mundubile has publicly rejected the election results and indicated plans to contest them in court, citing alleged irregularities.
In a further development, police chief Musamba announced that Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, have been summoned for questioning regarding “various alarming activities” that could pose a threat to national security. He mentioned that the two politicians have sought refuge with an unspecified international organization. Musamba reassured the organization that the suspects would receive due process and that no harm would come to them.
The situation has drawn international attention, with UN human rights chief Volker Turk calling on Zambian authorities to cease arbitrary arrests and uphold the due process rights of detainees. The incident underscores the growing tensions in Zambia's political landscape as the nation grapples with the aftermath of a contentious electoral process.
As investigations continue, the Zambian public remains on edge, reflecting on the implications of Kafwaya's death and the broader context of political stability in the country.