Government Confirms Mutotwe Kafwaya Was Killed During Kabulonga Security Operation
The Central Joint Operations Committee (CJOC) has confirmed that the man who died during a joint security operation in Lusaka’s Kabulonga area has been identified as former Minister and politician Mutotwe Kafwaya.
Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba, speaking on behalf of the CJOC and the Service Chiefs, said Kafwaya was fatally wounded during what authorities described as an exchange of gunfire at a residence at around 19:30 hours on August 14, 2026.
According to the statement, the operation was conducted by a joint security task force involving several defence and law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Commission.
Authorities said the operation followed intelligence investigations, which they linked to an earlier operation in Lusaka during which K7.3 million was allegedly recovered.
Police Say Officers Came Under Fire
Mr Musamba said security officers encountered resistance and gunfire from unidentified individuals when they arrived at the residence.
He said officers returned fire, during which one individual was wounded and a firearm was recovered.
The injured man was reportedly rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Authorities later contacted Kafwaya’s family following reports circulating on social media regarding his disappearance. According to the statement, family members subsequently identified his body.
Eleven People Arrested
The Inspector General said 11 people were apprehended at the premises and remain in custody as investigations continue.
The suspects are being investigated in connection with allegations including treason and any other offences that may emerge from the investigations.
Among those detained, according to authorities, are individuals with previous military and police training, including former commandos and retired police officers.
The individuals named in the statement are:
- Brazil Soko, 56
- Jackson Mutyoka, 41
- Bernard Chewe, 41
- Simon Phiri, 43
- Richard Banda, 49
- George Kangwa Chisanga, 59
- Trevor Mwamba, 68
- Francis Mulenga, 26
- Emmanuel Mulenga, 56
- Patrick Mwansa, 39
- Darius Mwila, 57
The allegations against the suspects have not been determined by a court, and investigations remain ongoing.
Weapons and Other Items Recovered
According to Mr Musamba, the joint task force recovered several weapons and items at the premises, including what authorities described as restricted military-grade weapons, AK-47 rifles, ammunition, a pistol, magazines, a bulletproof vest and other tactical equipment.
Other items allegedly recovered include night-vision equipment, communication devices, electronic equipment and ICT devices.
Authorities say the weapons, documents and electronic devices are undergoing forensic examination to establish their ownership, source, intended use and any possible connection to the alleged offences under investigation.
Government Denies Political Targeting
Mr Musamba denied that the Kabulonga operation was intended to target any individual on the basis of political affiliation, occupation or social status.
He said those in custody would be accorded their constitutional and legal rights and that anyone found not to be connected to the alleged offences would be released.
The Inspector General has meanwhile appealed to members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information while investigations continue.
The confirmation of Kafwaya’s death comes after days of public concern and speculation regarding his whereabouts following the security operation.
As investigations continue, further details are expected from the relevant authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding the operation, the fatal shooting and the allegations against those currently in custody.
