Amnesty International has called on Zambia to investigate the fatal shooting of Mutotwe Kafwaya, a former member of parliament for Lunte and ex-Minister of Transport.
Kafwaya, who would have turned 50 on August 28, and other politicians had converged at a location in Kabulonga, Lusaka, on August 14, hours after the presidential election.
Security forces stormed the property linked to opposition candidate Brian Mundubile, shot Kafwaya and arrested NRPUP members, Bishop Trevor Mwamba, George Chisanga and Patrick Mwansa.
AI’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, said Kafwaya’s death followed reports of arbitrary arrests and detentions of opposition figures during the electoral period.
The organisation asked the Zambian government to thoroughly, independently and transparently investigate Kafwaya’s death. Civil society groups in the country have made a similar call.
The inquiry, Chagutah stressed, must establish the circumstances surrounding the gunfire and ensure that those suspected to be responsible are brought to justice through impartial trials.
The official noted the authorities’ claim that those taken into custody from Kabulonga were involved in an insurrection plot and that military-grade weapons had been recovered.
Chagutah said that despite the allegations, the government remained bound by Zambia’s Constitution and international human rights law to protect the rights to life, liberty and a fair hearing.
AI urged the authorities to allow detainees access to lawyers, their families and medical care, and to stop arbitrary arrests of opposition members and the crackdown on peaceful dissent.
“The detainees must be promptly brought before an independent court,” Chagutah added, saying anyone being held without sufficient evidence of criminal offences must be released.
On Friday, the Commonwealth decried the post-election situation in Zambia and urged full respect for the rights of the people and the rule of law, in accordance with its Charter and values.
Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey expressed dismay over the Lusaka raid, which resulted in the death of Kafwaya, and demanded a transparent investigation into the incident.
A statement by the Commonwealth chief called for an end to indiscriminate arrests, advocated due process and urged the release of all persons incarcerated for political reasons.
Botchwey advised all parties in Zambia to “exercise restraint” and engage in constructive dialogue to de-escalate tensions and safeguard peace, stability and the democratic dispensation.
Zambia election: Amnesty Int’l, Commonwealth decry ex-minister’s killing