Government Announces Arrests Following Suspected Security Operation in Kabulonga

Government has announced the arrest of several individuals following a police operation in Lusaka’s Kabulonga area, which authorities say is linked to suspected security threats. Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa said the operation, conducted on August 13, resulted in the apprehension of 11 people and the recovery of weapons, ammunition and other materials. Government says investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be dealt with according to the law.

According to Government, some of those apprehended are alleged to have links to suspected militia activities and plans involving foreign nationals. Government also stated that National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) presidential candidate Brian Mundubile was found at the premises during the operation. The allegations have not yet been tested in court, and those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Meanwhile, NRPUP running mate Makebi Zulu has raised concerns regarding the verification and tallying of presidential election results.

Mr Zulu alleges that there has been interference with electoral officers, threats against returning officers, missing or allegedly stolen Gen-20 forms, alteration of electoral records and intimidation of accredited political agents.

He says such allegations cannot be treated as isolated incidents and has called for immediate attention from the Electoral Commission of Zambia, the Church, civil society, election observers, diplomatic missions and the wider international community.

Mr Zulu has particularly called for every original Gen-20 form to be accounted for and for the Electoral Commission of Zambia to ensure a clear and verifiable chain of custody for electoral documents.