Amnesty demands probe into Kafwaya shooting

by ARNOLD MULENGA
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – AMNESTY International has called on Zambian authorities to launch an independent investigation into the reported fatal shooting of former cabinet minister and opposition member Mutotwe Kafwaya during a security operation in Lusaka last week.

Kafwaya was reportedly shot dead on 14 August when security forces raided a property linked to opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile in Kabulonga, following Zambia’s 13 August general election.

At least three other opposition members – NRPUP figures George Chisanga, Bishop Trevor Mwamba and Patrick Mwansa – were arrested during the operation.

Amnesty International Regional Director for East and Southern Africa Tigere Chagutah said Kafwaya’s death was deeply alarming, particularly amid reports of arbitrary arrests and detentions of opposition members during the electoral period.

The rights organisation urged authorities to ensure the investigation was prompt, thorough, independent, impartial, transparent and effective, including determining the circumstances surrounding Kafwaya’s death and holding anyone found criminally responsible accountable through fair trials.

Authorities have alleged that those arrested in Kabulonga were involved in an insurrection plot and that military-grade weapons were recovered during the operation.

Amnesty said the allegations should be thoroughly and transparently investigated but stressed that authorities remained bound by Zambia’s Constitution and international human rights law to protect rights to life, liberty and a fair trial.

The organisation also called for all detainees to have immediate access to lawyers, family members and necessary medical care, and to be promptly brought before an independent and impartial court.

Anyone held without sufficient evidence of a recognisable criminal offence should be released, it said.

Amnesty further urged the government to end what it described as arbitrary arrests and detentions of opposition members and a growing crackdown on peaceful dissent.

According to the organisation, Kafwaya’s family was kept unaware of his condition and whereabouts until 19 August, five days after the reported shooting.

It called for the family to receive full information about the circumstances of his death and access to effective remedies.

– CAJ News