Former minister killed during raid after Zambia election

A former Zambian minister was fatally shot during a raid on opposition leader Brian Mundubile's residence last week, Zambian police confirmed Wednesday. The operation, conducted by security forces the day after President Hakainde Hichilema's re-election on August 13, targeted militias deemed a "serious threat to state security," resulting in 11 arrests.

Mundubile, who secured the second-highest votes in the presidential election, confirmed the raid on his home. He reported that former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya had been shot and he had lost contact with him. Mundubile, now in hiding, denies government accusations linking his party, NRPUP, to militia or rebel activities.

Following increased pressure from Kafwaya's family for information, police late Wednesday confirmed the ex-minister's death during the raid. They claim security forces opened fire after being shot at, leading to a "fatally wounded unidentified man" and the seizure of a firearm. Three of the 11 arrested were identified as former elite soldiers with extensive military experience. Mundubile stated that opposition members and his own security personnel were among those detained.

Kafwaya, 49, served as a minister from 2016 to 2021 before joining the opposition after Hichilema's rise to power. Hichilema won the election with 60% of the vote, while Mundubile received 38%. Mundubile announced on Wednesday that his campaign team had identified "serious irregularities" and intends to challenge the election results in court.