Authorities nab TONSE senior members linked to foreign militia

Authorities nab TONSE senior members linked to foreign militia Authorities nab NRPUP senior members linked to foreign militia THE Government has revealed that senior NRPUP have been arrested along with foreign militia who posed a serious threat to national security. Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa says some of the 11 people arrested have been […]

Authorities nab TONSE  senior members linked to foreign militia

Authorities nab NRPUP senior members linked to foreign militia

THE Government has revealed that senior NRPUP have been arrested along with foreign militia who posed a serious threat to national security.

Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa says some of the 11 people arrested have been under surveillance over the years for their links to foreign nationals and illegal military training camps.

Kangwa named six of the 11 key suspects currently detained at various police stations across Lusaka as NRPUP presidential spokesperson George Chisanga, UNIP faction leader Bishop Trevor Mwamba, Simon Phiri, Richard Banda, Francis Mulenga and Patrick Mwansa.

The group was arrested during an operation in Lusaka’s Kabulonga area on Friday.

Kangwa also said NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubiwas found at the scene during the operation.

“The persons of interest have been under surveillance over the last two years and more recently in the last few months. Additionally, some of the individuals involved were connected to military plans involving foreign nationals and illegal military training camps, thus posing a serious threat to state security.”

“The individuals in issue were found in possession of high-grade military weapons, ammunition, and other materials for use in armed insurrection,” Kangwa stated.

He stated that the operation resulted in the seizure of restricted high-grade military weapons and the apprehension of suspected members of the militia and other persons found at the scene.

“Others fled and their whereabouts are unknown,” he added.

“During the operation, the occupants of the premises fired shots at the law enforcement agencies, which resulted in an exchange of crime. Others found on the scene were senior members of certain political parties in Zambia.”

Kangwa said the suspects are being held in lawful custody at various police stations across the country.

He said the suspects have been charged and that their families and lawyers will be granted access to them.

He said investigations into the matter are continuing and that the nation will be kept informed of developments.

On Friday, the following day after the general election, the NRPUP presidential candidate claimed he was attacked by the army at his residence, claiming they shot at him and his family.

The political party also claimed that their members who are in police custody were kidnapped and called for their release and access to their families who were worried.

(c) Kalemba August 17, 2026