By Ebi Kesiena
Zambian authorities have arrested 11 people, including senior opposition figures, and recovered weapons and ammunition in Lusaka following an alleged plot to overthrow the government, the country’s top civil servant, Patrick Kangwa, has said.
Kangwa said the suspects were linked to alleged military plans involving foreign nationals and illegal military training camps, which he described as a serious threat to national security.
According to him, security forces recovered high-grade military weapons, ammunition and other materials allegedly intended for an armed insurrection during a raid in Lusaka. He added that shots were fired at law enforcement officers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
Among those arrested was Patrick Mwansa, the husband of Tasila Lungu, daughter of former President Edgar Lungu, alongside several other politicians.
Brian Mundubile, a leading opposition candidate in last Thursday’s presidential election, was also present at the location when security forces conducted the raid, Kangwa said.
Mundubile described the operation as an “attempt on my life,” alleging that some of his colleagues were shot in his presence.
Mundubile is trailing incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema in results from more than half of Zambia’s constituencies. He had earlier claimed victory and alleged irregularities in the election, including military involvement at tallying centres and problems involving ballot boxes.
The authorities have rejected the allegations, while preliminary observer reports described the election as largely peaceful and orderly. However, observers raised concerns over late electoral reforms, media freedom and opposition access to the media ahead of the poll.
The arrested suspects are being held at different police stations in Lusaka, with security heightened in parts of the capital.
Mundubile later alleged that he was interrogated by army officers over two videos he had released and claimed he was assaulted while in custody.
He also accused Tanzania of sending individuals to interfere in Zambia’s election, a claim the Tanzanian government dismissed as false and unfounded.
