A former Zambian minister was killed during a security forces raid on a house linked to opposition leader Brian Mundubile, authorities confirmed Wednesday. Mutotwe Kafwaya, 49, died in a shootout during Friday’s operation in Lusaka, just one day after the presidential election.
Police said they encountered armed resistance and returned fire. Eleven people were arrested, with authorities accusing Mundubile’s NRPUP party of storing weapons and engaging in « insurgency » and « militia activity. »
Mundubile, now in hiding, dismissed the allegations as « total fabrications. »
The raid came after incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema secured a second term with 60% of the vote. Mundubile, who garnered 38%, plans to challenge the outcome in court, alleging vote-tampering.
While election day was largely peaceful, EU observers warned of an « uneven contest » due to restrictions on the opposition. Their report cited significant deterioration in the results tabulation process, weak verification between digital and paper records, and a heavy military presence described as intimidating.
The electoral commission had halted counting for six hours, citing violence against staff and ballot-box theft.
Zambia’s Human Rights Commission has called for independent investigations into alleged unlawful detentions and disappearances following post-election security operations. The EU urged « maximal transparency » over the final results.
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