Government mourns former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya as police investigate death
The Zambian Government has expressed condolences to the family of former Works and Transport Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya following his death in an incident that is now under investigation by law enforcement authorities.
Lusaka, 20 August – Secretary to Cabinet Patrick Kangwe said the Government was deeply saddened by Mr Kafwaya’s death but would not comment further on the circumstances surrounding the incident while investigations were ongoing.
Speaking to journalists in Lusaka on Thursday evening, Mr Kangwe described the former minister’s death as a matter of concern and said the Government would allow the relevant law enforcement agencies to establish what happened.
He urged members of the public to exercise restraint and avoid circulating unverified reports about the circumstances of Mr Kafwaya’s death.
Mr Kangwe said the Government recognised the importance of allowing investigators to carry out their work without interference or speculation, particularly at a time when information can spread rapidly through social media.
He also called on Zambians to protect the peace, unity and stability the country has maintained since gaining independence in 1964.
The Secretary to Cabinet expressed concern over what he described as an increase in social media content promoting hatred, insults and violence, including threats directed at political leaders.
He warned that calls for homicide or the assassination of the President constitute criminal conduct and would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Mr Kangwe urged citizens to use social media responsibly, respect constitutional processes and avoid messages that could inflame tensions or undermine national peace.
His comments come as Zambia moves beyond the recent electoral process, with the Government calling for citizens to respect the outcome and allow the country to move forward peacefully.
Mr Kangwe also commended the Electoral Commission of Zambia, security agencies, election observers, the media and voters for their respective roles in the electoral process.
He said maintaining peace and national unity remained a collective responsibility and urged Zambians to resolve political differences through lawful and constitutional means.
Mr Kafwaya, who previously served in Cabinet as Minister of Works and Transport, died following an incident whose circumstances have not been publicly established. Authorities are expected to provide further information as investigations progress.
-Nkanionline 2026