🇿🇲 BRIEFING | Resolute Party Demands Independent Probe into Kafwaya’s Death
The Resolute Party has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the death of Tonse Alliance member Mutotwe Kafwaya, saying the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting require a full account.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday morning, party president Dr Martin Phiri said Kafwaya’s death could not simply be set aside because it occurred during a security operation.
“We wish to extend our condolences to the family of the late Honourable Mutotwe Kafwaya,” Phiri said. He described Kafwaya as a family man and Zambian citizen who died under unfortunate circumstances.
Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba has confirmed Kafwaya was the previously unidentified man shot during a joint intelligence-led operation in Kabulonga, Lusaka, last Friday.
According to Musamba, a joint task force went to the premises at about 19:30 following intelligence gathered after the earlier recovery of K7.3 million in Lusaka. Police say officers encountered gunfire and resistance after arriving and returned fire.
One man was shot and taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police later began establishing his identity following reports about Kafwaya’s disappearance. His family subsequently identified the body.
Musamba said 11 people were apprehended during the operation over alleged offences relating to treason and any other offences which may arise from the investigation. Police say those detained include three former commandos and two retired police officers.
Authorities have also reported recovering firearms, ammunition, military equipment and electronic devices from the premises. Investigations into the group and the circumstances surrounding the operation remain underway.
Phiri is now asking for scrutiny beyond the account already provided by police. His party says an independent investigation would help establish precisely how Kafwaya was shot and provide his family and the wider public with confidence in the findings.
The demand adds to growing calls for authorities to provide a detailed account of Kafwaya’s final hours. Police have given their version of the Kabulonga operation. The Resolute Party now wants the circumstances of his death independently examined.
-The People’s Brief | Chileshe Sengwe