On 14 August 2026, security forces conducted a joint operation, based on a tip-off reportedly in the interest of national security, at the residence of opposition leader and opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, shortly after Zambia’s 13 August general election day. Mutotwe Kafwaya, former Lunte Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister, was among those present and caught in the reported exchange of fire. Government Information Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana initially denied such an operation, but later it was confirmed by the Secretary to the Cabinet and the joint forces team. They indicated that Kafwaya was shot during the operation and later died from his injuries. Mundubile was arrested and detained for questioning before being released. He later said the whereabouts of Kafwaya and Mr Mwansa, husband of former President Edgar Lungu’s daughter, who were caught up in the operation were unknown after the operation. Authorities only confirmed Kafwaya’s death about 5 days later, despite earlier public reports and requests from his family for information, which saw Mr Kafwaya’s wife file for a writ of habeas corpus, pressuring the government to release a statement through the Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa.
The incident raises significant concerns about fundamental human rights and questions about the treatment of other politically aligned citizens present during the operation. The lag, denial and delay in confirming Kafwaya’s custody, condition and death contributed to uncertainty, misinformation and public mistrust in state security. The security operation at Mundubile’s residence has further heightened the post-election political tension. The Law Association of Zambia has called for an independent investigation into the circumstances of his death. Civil society organizations have similarly called for an investigation to establish the legal basis for the operation, identify the security personnel involved, assess the use of force, and determine whether any human rights violations or unlawful detentions occurred.