By Daily Revelation Reporter
The government says circumstances surrounding the killing of ex-Transport minister Mutotwe Kafwaya by the security wings is being investigated by police, in response to the European Parliament’s damning report concerning the post-electoral developments in Zambia.
The EU Parliament in its adoption highlighted the killing of Kafwaya in its report, and demanded that there should be an independent and transparent investigation into the matter. The report also cited the closure of courts on the final day when the petition was supposed to be filed challenging the presidential election of President Hakainde Hichilema to his second and last term of office, among other issues.
But minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe in a statement issued today stated that the circumstances surrounding the killing of Kafwaya were under police investigations.
”The government regrets the loss of life. The circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Mutotwe Kafwaya on 14 August are under active investigations by the Zambia Police Service, with independent oversight by the human rights commission,” Haimbe stated. “The bereaved family has been offered the opportunity to participate in the postmortem examination through a legal representative and an independent pathologist. The Government rejects any suggestions of a policy of extra-judicial action and reiterates that the facts will be established through due process.”
The government rejected as premature and insufficiently informed, the European Parliament Resolution on Zambia’s post-election situation, adopted on 17th September 2026 under an urgency procedure.
Haimbe stated that the resolution was adopted without prior engagement with the Zambian government and before the publication of the European Union Election Observation Mission’s final report.
He stated that the serious determinations concerning a sovereign state should be based on verified facts and engagement with the concerned government, and requested the EU delegation in Lusaka to convene formal partnership dialogue with the European Commission and the European External Action Service.
Haimbe argued that the the judiciary was independent when addressing the treason charges and access to justice. He stated that all accused persons were entitled to due process, fair and impartial trials, legal representation, family visits and medical care, with decisions on bail and court proceedings resting with the courts.
He stated that the government had rejected allegations of arbitrary detentions, saying official records did not support the figures cited by the European Parliament, and that arrests and detentions were conducted within Zambia’s constitutional and legal safeguards.
On the use of force by law enforcement, Haimbe stated that force was permitted in certain circumstances, subject to necessity, proportionality and legal safeguards, and argued that it would be premature to characterise specific incidents as murder before investigations are concluded.
Haimbe argued that the resolution did not sufficiently take into account ongoing investigations and judicial proceedings, and has called on the European Parliament, European Commission, EEAS and cooperating partners to allow Zambia’s institutions to work independently and without undue influence.
However, he stated that despite the disagreements, Zambia remained committed to its strategic partnership with the European Union in areas including trade, investment, development and critical raw materials, and will engage EU institutions to provide factual clarification and ensure Zambia’s position is accurately reflected.
