When the votes were counted, an unexpected night of violence unfolded in Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. Security forces stormed a house tied to opposition leader Brian Mundubile and shot former Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya, who was 49. Eleven people were arrested and the police said they were fighting “high‑grade” weapons in the raid.
Kafwaya, who had been a transport minister under President Edgar Lungu, was killed a day after the presidential election where Hakainde Hichilema won 60% of the vote. Mundubile, now hidden, called the police’s claims “fabrications,” and he plans to sue over alleged vote‑tally tampering.
Observers warn that the post‑election mob of police and military is giving the government an unfair edge. They say the count fell apart when it resumed after a six‑hour pause, with reports of ballot‑box theft and violence at polling stations.
The Human Rights Commission calls for an independent probe of any unlawful detentions and for any people missing after arrests to be either released or brought to court. The story remains a wake‑up call for tighter checks on power in Zambia.
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