Defence ministry denies claims Kafwaya was shot by army
The Ministry of Defence has dismissed claims that former Lunte PF member of parliament Mutotwe Kafwaya was shot by soldiers and admitted to Maina Soko Medical Centre in critical condition.
Lusaka, 16 August – Permanent Secretary Maambo Hamaundu said the claims were unfounded after visiting the military medical facility on Saturday and checking its records.
Mr Hamaundu’s comments followed allegations made by NRPUP president Brian Mundubile, who said he and members of his family, together with other Tonse Alliance members, had been picked up from their residence by armed men and taken to Army headquarters.
In a Facebook post, Mr Mundubile alleged that the soldiers forced their way into a master bedroom where he, his wife and Mr Kafwaya had been locked up, before firing two shots at the former Lunte MP.
He further claimed that they were taken to the Command Centre, where he was questioned about videos in which he had claimed victory in the 13 August elections.
Mr Mundubile’s allegations were later followed by a Facebook post from NRPUP running mate Makebi Zulu, who claimed that Mr Kafwaya had been shot twice in the chest and was in critical condition at Maina Soko Military Hospital.
But Mr Hamaundu said there was no record of Mr Kafwaya being admitted to the facility.
“I actually came through to Maina Soko upon reading on social media that Honourable Kafwaya was shot and is actually at Maina Soko, and I can confirm to members of the public that that is unfounded,” he said.
“I’ve checked the record, I’ve engaged the management here, at no time in the last 48 hours have they received any patient by the name of Honourable Mutotwe Kafwaya.”
He described the reports as a fabrication and urged citizens to stop circulating unverified information, particularly at a time when the country is awaiting the conclusion of the election results process.
Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana also rejected claims that Mr Mundubile had been interrogated by Zambia Army officers on Friday.
Asked about the allegation during a press briefing, Mr Kawana gave a brief response: “There’s just one answer, they are lies.”
He also rejected claims that Mr Kafwaya had been shot, killed or was missing.
Mr Kawana said government was particularly concerned about what it described as disinformation that could alarm the public and potentially trigger unrest.
He said authorities would continue responding to false claims with verified information, while warning that individuals making statements that could constitute offences would be held accountable.
Mr Kawana also dismissed separate claims concerning Patrick Mwansa, the husband of former president Edgar Lungu’s daughter Tasila Lungu, saying reports that he was missing, detained at Central Police Station or dead were false.
“These games are getting tiring, it’s becoming boring. I think we all have had enough. Let the country move forward,” he said.
He accused individuals associated with NRPUP of attempting to disrupt the announcement of the election results by creating tension and urged Zambians to remain peaceful.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Permanent Secretary Dickson Matembo separately warned politicians and other citizens against making statements that could inflame tensions.
Mr Matembo said security authorities would not ignore statements that could potentially incite citizens and that those responsible could be asked to explain their remarks.
“Let’s have the country at heart other than just making wild statements that may put the country on fire,” he said.
He urged citizens to remain calm and wait for the Electoral Commission of Zambia to announce the election results.
The competing claims come as the country awaits the final outcome of the 13 August elections, with authorities warning against information that could undermine public order during the results process.
-Nkanionline 2026