Zambia’s main opposition leader Brian Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, are in police custody after being questioned over an alleged offence of treason, the Zambia Police Service said on Thursday. Police said the pair were interviewed alongside their lawyers and that “warn and caution” statements had been recorded, but gave no further details about the allegations.
Mundubile surrendered after seeking safety
State media said Mundubile surrendered to police in Lusaka on August 27 after spending two weeks at an international human rights organisation. He had sought safety there after police raided his home the day after Zambia’s August 13 presidential election.
The questioning follows a police crackdown at Mundubile’s home in which 11 people were arrested. Former cabinet minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was shot and killed during the operation. Police said those arrested were involved in alleged insurrection or militia activity, an accusation Mundubile denied. For additional context, see “Hakainde Hichilema re-elected for a second term in Zambia”.
Court challenge was blocked before inauguration
President Hakainde Hichilema won 60 percent of the vote and is due to be sworn in for a second term on Tuesday. Mundubile, who received about 38 percent, had promised to challenge the result, which opposition leaders disputed.
Zambia’s entire judiciary closed on Monday, the final day for filing an election objection, with authorities citing security reasons. Article 103 of the Constitution gives candidates seven days to file an election petition, while Article 104 automatically pauses the presidential swearing-in when a petition is filed.
The Constitutional Court said on Tuesday that it had received no petition challenging the election result, clearing the way for Hichilema’s inauguration. Chief Justice Mumba Malila said he had received a submission from a member of the public on his private email, but described it as “highly irregular” and referred it to the Constitutional Court. A related part of this story is covered in “Observers Raise Concerns as Zambia Counts Presidential Votes”.
Rights groups warn about democratic space
Legal and rights groups criticised the timing of the court closure. Human Rights Watch called it a blow to the administration of law, transparency and due process in Zambia.
Opposition parties and civil society organisations have raised concerns about increasing repression under Hichilema’s government. Rights groups and election observer missions said the post-election dispute had damaged Zambia’s democratic reputation. The development of this issue can be followed in “Zambians weigh Hichilema’s reforms in August 13 election”.
What happens next
Police questioning has so far produced warn-and-caution statements, but authorities have not said whether formal treason charges will follow. Hichilema’s swearing-in is due to take place on Tuesday.
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