🇿🇲 BRIEFING | Militia Probe Widens as Authorities Close In on More Suspects
The security operation surrounding an alleged militia network appears to be widening, with newly elected Mwenzo Constituency Member of Parliament Lukas Simumba reporting his detention as authorities pursue additional persons of interest.
Simumba, a former Nakonde MP, posted on Facebook saying: “I have been detained at Chinsali Police.” Subsequent reports claim he was being moved to Lusaka, although his destination and the grounds for his detention have not been officially confirmed.
Reports also indicate authorities are looking for newly elected Mpika North MP Francis Robert Kapyanga and Shiwang’andu MP Stephen Kampyongo. Police have not publicly confirmed their status or disclosed whether they are wanted for questioning, arrest or another investigative purpose.
The developments come as authorities investigate what government has described as a wider national security case involving alleged foreign-linked military training, weapons and plans for armed insurrection.
Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa earlier said some persons under investigation had been under surveillance and were allegedly connected to “military plans involving foreign nationals and illegal military training camps.”
Government previously announced the detention of several people following Friday’s Kabulonga security operation, including NRPUP presidential spokesperson George Chisanga and Bishop Trevor Mwamba. Authorities said restricted military weapons and ammunition were recovered during the operation.
Those are government allegations and remain subject to investigation and any subsequent court proceedings.
Simumba’s detention adds a political dimension to an already sensitive security investigation because it now involves a newly elected legislator while presidential election results are still being processed.
No official statement has so far established a connection between Simumba and the alleged militia investigation.
The People’s Brief is therefore treating reports linking the latest detentions to the wider militia probe cautiously. Simumba’s own post confirms his detention in Chinsali. The reason for it, reports of his transfer to Lusaka, and claims concerning Kapyanga and Kampyongo await official police clarification.
-The People’s Brief | Mwape Nthegwa