Lusaka: The reported killing of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya has raised serious concerns in Zambia. His death, occurring against a backdrop of alleged arbitrary arrests and detentions of opposition members during the recent electoral period, has prompted calls for a thorough investigation.
According to Amnesty International, the Zambian authorities must conduct a prompt, thorough, independent, impartial, transparent, and effective investigation into Kafwaya's death. The investigation should uncover the circumstances surrounding his shooting and, if evidence of criminal responsibility is found, ensure that those involved are brought to justice through fair trials. Additionally, authorities are urged to provide access to justice and effective remedies for Kafwaya's family.
The authorities have alleged that those arrested in Kabulonga were part of an insurrection plot, with military-grade weapons reportedly recovered during the operation. Amnesty International emphasizes that such allegations must be thoroughly and transparently investigated. Regardless of these claims, the organization insists that Zambian authorities are bound by the country's Constitution and international human rights law to uphold the rights to life, liberty, and a fair trial.
Amnesty International also calls for detainees to have immediate access to legal representation, family contact, and necessary medical care. Detainees should be promptly presented before an independent court and informed of any recognizable criminal charges. If there is insufficient evidence of criminal offenses, detainees should be released.
The crackdown on opposition members, including arbitrary arrests and detentions, must come to an end, according to Amnesty International. The organization insists on transparency regarding the circumstances of Kafwaya's death for his family.
In the period leading up to and following Zambia's 2026 general election on 13 August, numerous arrests targeting opposition members, campaign officials, artists, media personalities, and supporters of the National Revolutionary Party-United Party (NRPUP) were reported. On 14 August, security forces raided a property linked to opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile in Kabulonga, Lusaka. During this operation, key opposition figures were arrested, and former cabinet minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was reportedly fatally shot. His family's awareness of his condition and whereabouts was delayed until 19 August.
