Zambia: an opposition MP and former minister killed during a security forces raid
In Zambia, the police confirmed the shooting death of MP Mutotwe Kafwaya, who was found after several days without news. The 49-year-old elected official, a former minister, was among those detained during a security operation conducted on August 14 at a residence linked to the opposition in Lusaka.
SUMMARY
The confirmation was announced late on August 19 by the police chief, after several days of uncertainty regarding the legislator’s fate. His family, who had reported his disappearance, had publicly asked the authorities for updates on his situation.
The operation was conducted on Friday, August 14, by several Zambian security services in the Kabulonga neighborhood, at one of Brian Mundubile’s residences, who is presented as one of the main opponents of President Hakainde Hichilema. Eleven people were arrested as part of an investigation into suspicions of arms trafficking.
The family of Mutotwe Kafwaya claims to have had no news of him since this intervention. In a video posted on Facebook, his wife requested the state’s help, expressing the worry of their children, relatives, and friends.
An investigation is expected into the circumstances of the death
For several days, conflicting information circulated regarding the whereabouts of the MP. An opposition official had claimed he was hospitalized, which the police later denied. On August 19, the Zambian Human Rights Commission had called on the authorities to clarify the status of those arrested during the operation.
The police confirmed that Mutotwe Kafwaya had died from gunshot wounds, without immediately providing detailed information about the circumstances of his death or the identity of the shooter. These details are still to be determined by the investigation.
The announcement prompted reactions among opposition leaders, who expressed their sadness, anger, and concern. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights had previously urged the Zambian authorities to end arbitrary arrests targeting opponents.
Mutotwe Kafwaya served as a minister under the presidency of Edgar Lungu when the Patriotic Front was in power from 2016 to 2021. He later served as an opposition MP during Hakainde Hichilema’s first term, elected as a member of the United Party for National Development.
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