Former Zambian Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya Killed During Security Raid in Lusaka
Former Zambian minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was killed during a security operation in Lusaka, with police saying he was fatally wounded in an exchange of gunfire.
LUSAKA, Zambia: Former Zambian cabinet minister and opposition politician Mutotwe Kafwaya has been killed during a security operation at a property linked to opposition leader Brian Mundubile in Lusaka.
Zambian authorities confirmed Kafwaya’s death on August 19, five days after the August 14 operation that followed the country’s presidential election.
According to police, security forces encountered gunfire and resistance from unidentified individuals during the joint operation and returned fire. One man was fatally wounded and was later identified by his family as Kafwaya.
Kafwaya, 49, was a former minister in the Patriotic Front government led by former President Edgar Lungu. He served as Minister of Works and Supply before becoming Minister of Transport and Communications. He later remained active in opposition politics and served as a member of parliament.
The security operation reportedly resulted in the arrest of 11 people. Authorities alleged that individuals at the property were involved in activities posing a threat to national security and said weapons had been recovered.
Mundubile has rejected the allegations, describing them as fabrications. He has also gone into hiding and accused the authorities of targeting his political camp.
Kafwaya’s death has raised concerns over the handling of opposition figures following Zambia’s August 13 presidential election, in which President Hakainde Hichilema was declared the winner.
Amnesty International has called for a prompt, independent and transparent investigation into Kafwaya’s death, saying that the full circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear.
The United Nations has also raised concerns about arrests carried out during the post-election period and urged Zambian authorities to respect due process and the rights of those detained.
Kafwaya’s death is expected to intensify scrutiny of the security operation and the wider political tensions surrounding Zambia’s disputed post-election period.
