started · updated
Zambia arrests 11 people, including opposition figures, in Lusaka raid
Zambian security forces arrested 11 individuals, including several senior opposition figures, during a raid in the Kabulonga area of Lusaka on August 13, 2026. The government alleges the operation targeted a suspected militia involved in an armed insurrection plot. Authorities reported seizing high-grade military weapons and ammunition, claiming the suspects were linked to illegal military training camps and foreign nationals.
Among those taken into custody are George Chisanga, Bishop Trevor Mwamba, Simon Phiri, Richard Banda, Francis Mulenga, and Patrick Mwansa. The government stated that an exchange of gunfire occurred when occupants of the premises opened fire on law enforcement officers.
NRP-UP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile was present at the scene during the raid but was not arrested. Mundubile described the incident as an attempt on his life and claimed that colleagues were shot. The opposition has dismissed the government's allegations of an insurrection plot as false and dangerous, asserting that the individuals are political activists seeking change through electoral means.
As the country awaits full results from the recent presidential and parliamentary elections, which currently show incumbent Hakainde Hichilema leading, the government has denied claims that opposition members were shot or abducted.
Entities
Brian Mundubile · Hakainde Hichilema · Lusaka · NRP-UP · National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Progress · Patrick Kangwa · Zambia
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Zambian government denied claims that Mutotwe Kafwaya was shot and hospitalized at Maina Soko Military Hospital. nbcnews.na
- [● 9 SOURCES] An exchange of gunfire occurred between occupants of the premises and law enforcement officers during the operation. zambianeye.com · kahawatungu.com · newscentraltv.com · wxerfm.com · information.tv5monde.com · +3 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Authorities seized high-grade military weapons and ammunition allegedly intended for an armed insurrection. zambianeye.com · kahawatungu.com · newscentraltv.com · wxerfm.com · information.tv5monde.com · +3 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Several individuals, including George Chisanga, Bishop Trevor Mwamba, Simon Phiri, Richard Banda, Francis Mulenga, and Patrick Mwansa, were apprehended. zambianeye.com · kahawatungu.com · newscentraltv.com · www.maravipost.com · www.mwebantu.com
- [● 8 SOURCES] NRP-UP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile was present at the scene but was not taken into custody. zambianeye.com · kahawatungu.com · newscentraltv.com · wxerfm.com · information.tv5monde.com · +2 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] The security operation took place on August 13, 2026. zambianeye.com · www.maravipost.com · www.mwebantu.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Opposition leader Brian Mundubile claimed via social media that his house was surrounded by the army and that he was shot at. nbcnews.na · kahawatungu.com · wxerfm.com · www.myjoyonline.com
- [● 9 SOURCES] The security operation in Lusaka's Kabulonga area targeted suspected militia members and persons of interest linked to threats against state security. zambianeye.com · kahawatungu.com · newscentraltv.com · wxerfm.com · information.tv5monde.com · +3 more