Former Zambian Minister Killed In Security Raid At Opposition Leader's Home

A former Zambian cabinet minister, Mutotwe Kafwaya, has been shot dead during a security raid at opposition leader Brian Mundubile's home following the country's August 13 election. Police said security forces came under gunfire before returning fire, killing an unidentified man and recovering a firearm. Eleven people, including three former commandos, were arrested. The incident comes as Mundubile challenges President Hakainde Hichilema's election victory, which gave him about 60% of the vote.

A former Zambian cabinet minister has been shot dead during a security operation at the home of opposition leader Brian Mundubile, days after Zambia's presidential election.
Police confirmed that Mutotwe Kafwaya, 49, was killed during the joint security operation, which took place a day after the August 13 election.
Authorities said security forces came under gunfire and resistance from unidentified individuals before returning fire.

POLICE CONFIRM DEATH

In a statement, police said an unidentified man was fatally wounded during the operation and that a firearm was recovered from the scene.
Kafwaya was later identified as the former minister who was killed.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 11 people, including three former commandos with what police described as extensive military experience.

OPPOSITION LEADER QUESTIONS RAID

Mundubile, who finished second in the presidential election, said the security operation took place at his home.
He had previously said Kafwaya was struck by gunfire during the raid and that he had been unable to establish what happened to him.
Mundubile also claimed that some of those arrested were members of his security team and opposition figures.
The government said the operation targeted a suspected militia that allegedly posed a serious threat to national security.

POLITICAL TENSIONS AFTER ELECTION

The incident comes at a sensitive time for Zambia, following an election that returned President Hakainde Hichilema to office for a second term.
According to results announced by the electoral authorities, Hichilema won about 60% of the vote, while Mundubile received approximately 38%.
Mundubile has rejected the result and said his campaign intends to challenge the election outcome in court.

KAFWAYA'S POLITICAL BACKGROUND

Kafwaya previously served as a cabinet minister under the Patriotic Front government between 2016 and 2021.
He later served as an opposition parliamentarian during Hichilema's first term.
His death during a security operation involving the country's main opposition has raised concerns over political tensions and the conduct of security forces following the election.
Authorities are expected to face increased pressure to provide a full account of the operation, including the circumstances surrounding Kafwaya's death and the identities and alleged activities of those arrested.