FODEP Raises Concern Over Inspector General's Account of Kafwaya's Death

The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has raised concern over the official briefing delivered by Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba on 19 August 2026, in which police confirmed that former Lunte Member of Parliament and former Minister Hon. Mutotwe Kafwaya sustained fatal injuries during a joint security operation at a residence in Kabulonga on 14 August 2026.

In a statement issued 20 August and signed by FODEP President Mwenda Mumbuna, the organisation said it "notes, with deep concern," the Inspector General's briefing. FODEP noted that the Inspector General's announcement of Kafwaya's death came just hours after his wife, Mrs Dinis Ng'andu Kafwaya, had submitted an application before the Lusaka High Court seeking leave to commence habeas corpus proceedings, a filing that was already public knowledge at the time, made while she still believed her husband remained in detention.

FODEP said it was recording this sequence of events "without prejudice to the outcome of any future judicial or investigative inquiry." Nevertheless, the organisation underscored "the profound distress and confusion endured by the family and the broader public" during what it described as the nearly five-day interval between Kafwaya's disappearance on 14 August and the official confirmation of his death on 19 August.

FODEP said that throughout that period, "contradictory narratives from state officials, opposition figures, and family members left fundamental facts unresolved," which it said eroded public trust "at a highly sensitive juncture in the immediate post-election environment."

Describing itself as a non-partisan civic organisation, FODEP said it "abstains from judging the political contestations surrounding this matter," stating that its mandate is strictly the protection of fundamental rights, adherence to due process, and the promotion of transparent, accountable conduct by state institutions.

In furtherance of that mandate, FODEP called on the relevant authorities to: provide a full and transparent account of the circumstances surrounding Kafwaya's death, including a clear, sequential chronology of events covering 14 to 19 August 2026; explain the delay in formally notifying the next of kin and the public, and reconcile earlier official denials regarding his hospitalisation and injuries with the confirmed facts; institute a prompt, independent and impartial investigation into the operation and the use of force, with its findings duly made accessible to the public; and ensure that all other individuals detained in connection with the same operation are afforded their full constitutional rights, including expeditious access to family members, legal counsel and the courts.

FODEP extended "its deepest and most sincere condolences" to Mrs Kafwaya, the entire Kafwaya family, and all those affected by the loss, saying its thoughts remain with them "during this immensely difficult time." The organisation further urged all political actors and members of the public to exercise restraint, allow due process to take its course, and refrain from language or actions that may exacerbate post-election tensions.

FODEP noted that it will issue its Interim Statement on its observation of the 2026 General Elections within the next 48 hours.