MORNING WIRE | Mundubile, Makebi spend night in police custody as treason investigation deepens
Opposition leaders Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu have spent the night in police custody after investigators recorded warn-and-caution statements from them in connection with an alleged offence of treason.
Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi confirmed the development on Thursday evening.
“The Zambia Police Service wishes to confirm that warn and caution statements have been recorded from Mr. Brian Mundubile and Mr. Makebi Zulu in connection with an alleged offence of treason, contrary to Section 43(1) of the Penal Code,” Chilabi said.
Police said Mundubile and Zulu were interviewed by investigators and remained in custody as investigations continued.
Their detention followed several days spent at the United Nations premises on Alick Nkhata Road in Lusaka, where they had sought protection following the August 14 security operation at Mundubile’s Kabulonga residence.
Former Cabinet minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was shot dead during the operation, while 11 other people were arrested.
Authorities have linked the wider investigation to alleged activities considered a threat to national security, including allegations concerning a militia. Mundubile has strongly rejected claims that a militia operated from his property.
Police subsequently summoned Mundubile and Zulu for questioning over alleged links to activities under investigation and premises associated with them.
Their transition from the UN premises to the legal process was facilitated by Zambia’s eight Church Mother Bodies.
In a joint statement on Thursday, the churches said they had received the two opposition leaders “from the Office of the Special Assistant to the United Nations Secretary-General and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia” while acting as a neutral third party.
They said the process was intended to facilitate their “onward handover to their legal representatives so that the due processes of law concerning matters raised by the State may commence.
The churches also disclosed that the arrangement involved the UN, the State and the two opposition leaders.
“We appreciate the confidence of the United Nations, the trust extended by the State, and the acceptance by the two opposition leaders for the Church to facilitate this brief but critical transition,” the statement said.
They called on the State, “consistent with assurances given at the highest level,” to ensure Mundubile and Zulu are treated humanely and accorded fairness, due process and respect for the rule of law.
“Our role here is not to determine innocence or guilt, nor to interfere with the work of lawful institutions,” the churches said.
Meanwhile, Tonse-Pamodzi figures have continued seeking international attention over developments following the election.
Former diplomat Emmanuel Mwamba, one of the alliance’s most prominent online voices, has written to African Union Commission chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf seeking AU intervention.
His communication raises concerns over the August 24 closure of courts, the security operation at Mundubile’s residence and other post-election developments.
The criminal investigation is, however, separate from the political dispute surrounding the August 13 election.
Police have not yet publicly detailed the evidence forming the basis of the alleged treason offence involving Mundubile and Zulu.
The immediate question on Friday morning is what investigators do next. Police could take further procedural steps as the wider investigation continues.
-The People’s Brief | Ollus R. Ndomu; Mendoi Liteta