Former Minister Killed in Police Shooting Sparks Outrage

The political situation in Zambia has intensified after a former minister was shot dead in a clash with police, just days after the presidential election. The former minister, Mutotwe Kafwaya, was an opposition figure who died in a firefight with officers after police raided an anti-government group shortly after the 13 August 2026 election.

Tensions rose further after Zambian police summoned opposition leader Brian Mundubile, the presidential candidate who finished second in the election, for questioning. Authorities said he is suspected of planning actions that threaten national security.

Mundubile has accused the election of being deliberately rigged to secure a second term for incumbent Hakainde Hichilema. Hichilema, who has led Zambia since 2021, has denied any electoral fraud.

Mundubile had previously stated he would challenge the election result in court. In a statement on Thursday evening, police said they wanted to question Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, as part of an investigation into an alleged conspiracy deemed to threaten national security.

Following the 13 August election, Mundubile was reported to have disappeared from public view after police raids and the arrest of several opposition figures. Police said Mundubile and Zulu subsequently sought protection under international law at an unnamed international organisation.

The case adds to political tensions in Zambia after an election whose result has been disputed by the opposition. The death of a former minister in a firefight with police has also drawn attention, particularly as it occurred amid opposition accusations that security forces are taking harsh action against groups opposing the government.