Former Zambian cabinet minister and opposition lawmaker Mutotwe Kafwaya, 49, was shot dead during a security operation at the residence of opposition leader Brian Mundubile, police said. The incident occurred a day after President Hakainde Hichilema won a second term in the country’s presidential election.

Police said security forces encountered gunfire and resistance from unidentified individuals during the raid and returned fire. An unidentified man was fatally wounded, and a firearm was recovered. Authorities later confirmed that the dead man was Kafwaya, who had served as a minister under the Patriotic Front government from 2016 to 2021 before joining the opposition.

The government said the operation was aimed at dismantling a suspected militia that posed “a serious threat to State security.” Police said 11 people were arrested, including three former commandos with extensive military experience. Mundubile, who finished second in the election with about 38 per cent of the vote, rejected allegations that his political alliance was involved in militia or insurgent activities.

Mundubile said the raid took place at his home and that Kafwaya had been struck by gunfire. The opposition leader subsequently went into hiding, while the opposition has raised concerns over arrests and alleged intimidation following the election. The electoral commission declared Hichilema the winner with about 60 per cent of the vote, while international observers and opposition figures have raised concerns about aspects of the election process.