Ex-Zambian minister killed in security raid on opposition

A former Zambian minister, Mutotwe Kafwaya, died last week during a security forces raid on a property associated with opposition leader Brian Mundubile, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred in Lusaka on Friday, the day after the presidential election.

According to a police spokesman, Kafwaya sustained fatal injuries from law enforcement officers during what officials characterized as an exchange of fire. The security operation led to the arrest of eleven individuals. Authorities have accused Mundubile's party, the NRPUP, of engaging in "insurgency" and "militia activity."

Mundubile, who is currently in hiding, has dismissed these allegations as "total fabrications." On Tuesday, the opposition leader stated he had no information regarding Kafwaya's whereabouts after he was shot during the raid, which Mundubile said took place at his residence.

Police officially confirmed Kafwaya's death late on Wednesday, following increasing public demand for information. They reported that the 49-year-old was killed in a shootout during the raid conducted by a joint security task force. The police stated they encountered "gunfire and resistance from unknown individuals, resulting in [them] returning fire." They added, "In the process one unidentified male person was fatally wounded, and the firearm was recovered," and that family members subsequently identified him.

Official results show incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema secured a second five-year term with 60% of the vote. Mundubile, who received 38%, plans to challenge the outcome in court, alleging vote rigging.

Regional and international observers largely described election day as peaceful but expressed concerns about late electoral reforms, media freedom, and access to media in the period leading up to the election. The EU observation mission cautioned over the weekend that restrictions placed on the opposition during the campaign may have contributed to an "uneven contest."