17/08/2026
MUNDUBILE NAMED AMONG PERSONS FOUND DURING KABULONGA SECURITY OPERATION
NRPUP Presidential candidate Brian Mundubile was among several people found at a premises in Lusaka’s Kabulonga area during a joint security operation that uncovered suspected militia members, high-grade military weapons, am******on and other materials allegedly linked to plans for armed insurrection.
Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa says the operation was conducted on August 13, 2026, following surveillance of some of the persons of interest over several years, with intensified monitoring in recent months. He says some individuals were allegedly connected to military activities involving foreign nationals and illegal military training camps, which authorities consider a serious threat to State security.
Mr Kangwa says the occupants allegedly opened fire at law enforcement officers during the operation, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. He says restricted high-grade military weapons, am******on and other materials were seized, while some suspects fled and remain at large.
He says several senior members of political parties were among those found at the premises, including George Chisanga, Bishop Trevor Mwamba, Simon Phiri, Richard Banda, Francis Mulenga and Patrick Mwansa. Mr Kangwa says the named suspects are being held in lawful custody at various police stations in Lusaka, have been charged and will be granted access to their families and lawyers.
The operation comes amid a series of post-election security incidents, including the arrest of suspects who police say had travelled to Russia and were apprehended at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport upon their return. Authorities have continued investigating the circumstances surrounding their activities.
Police have also arrested nine suspects in connection with the alleged murder of 57-year-old Lovemore Chishima, a polling agent who was assaulted at Kasamba Polling Station in Matero and later died. In another operation, six male suspects were detained after allegedly being found with offensive weapons, 22 rounds of am******on and a Toyota Land Cruiser, while police are seeking Sean Tembo to assist with investigations.
In Kalomo, one suspect was arrested after four people were allegedly assaulted, with one victim sustaining a gunshot wound, while a fi***rm and am******on were recovered. In Kasama, police are investigating an attack on the residence of Acting Permanent Secretary Beauty Undi-Phiri, allegedly involving armed NRPUP supporters, with one suspect already apprehended.
Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba has said that although the overall conduct of the elections was peaceful, isolated incidents involving violence and unlawful activities are receiving serious attention. He has warned against incitement, unlawful activities and the spread of false information as the Electoral Commission of Zambia continues announcing election results.
The latest operations have heightened concerns over allegations of attempts to create instability during the post-election period. Security authorities are expected to establish whether the various incidents and individuals under investigation are connected to a broader coordinated network.
Mr Kangwa says investigations into the Kabulonga operation are ongoing and the nation will be kept informed of developments. The security wings have reiterated their commitment to protecting Zambia’s peace and constitutional order, while warning that anyone found to have committed offences will face the law.
