20/08/2026
LAZ CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT PROBE IN KAFWAYA’s DEATH
By Annie C Kaunda
The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has called for an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into the death of former Lunte Member of Parliament and former Minister of Transport and Communications, Mutotwe Kafwaya.
In a statement issued Thursday, LAZ says it is gravely concerned by the circumstances surrounding Kafwaya’s death and the subsequent arrest and detention of several people reportedly arising from a security operation conducted by law enforcement agencies during the election period.
The association says the delay in confirming and publicly accounting for the shooting that resulted in Kafwaya’s death us concerning, particularly in light of what it describes as apparent inconsistencies between information that has since emerged and earlier statements made by senior Government officials, including Permanent Secretaries Maambo Haamaundu, Dickson Matembo and Thabo Kawana at Maina Soko Medical Centre.
LAZ says the circumstances raise serious questions that should not be left to speculation, competing narratives or assertions by interested State agencies.
It says the circumstances leading to the shooting and the use of lethal force must be established through an independent, impartial and credible investigation.
The association has further reminded the State that Article 12 of the Constitution protects the right to life while recognising limited circumstances in which the taking of life may be justified.
LAZ says whether the force used against Kafwaya was lawful must be objectively established through evidence and appropriate legal processes.
Meanwhile LAZ has expressed concern over reports of arrests and prolonged detention linked to the events, stressing that Articles 13 and 18 protect personal liberty, due process and the protection of the law.
It has therefore called on law enforcement agencies to ensure detainees have prompt access to legal representation, are brought before a competent court within the period prescribed by law and are protected from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
