Former Zambian Transport Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya, 49, was killed during a security operation at the residence of opposition leader Brian Mundubile, police confirmed. The incident happened shortly after Zambia’s August 13, 2026, presidential election, which returned President Hakainde Hichilema to office for a second term.
According to police, the operation involved a joint security task force responding to what authorities described as threats to state security. Police said security officers encountered gunfire and resistance from unidentified individuals and returned fire. Kafwaya was fatally wounded during the operation.
The raid took place at the home of Brian Mundubile, Hichilema’s main challenger in the presidential election. Authorities said 11 people were arrested during the operation and alleged that weapons were recovered. Mundubile and members of the opposition, however, rejected claims that they were involved in militia or insurgent activities.
The incident has added to political tensions following the election. Hichilema was declared the winner with about 60% of the vote, while Mundubile received around 38%. The opposition has alleged irregularities and said it plans to challenge the election result through the courts.
International observers and the United Nations have also expressed concern about arrests, violence and other tensions surrounding the election period. The UN human rights chief called for due process and for detained opposition figures to have their rights respected.
The death of Kafwaya has therefore become another major development in Zambia’s increasingly tense post-election atmosphere. Authorities continue to defend the security operation, while the opposition maintains that it was targeted unfairly.
