CCZ CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT PROBE INTO MUTOTWE KAFWAYA’S DEATH, RAISES CONCERN OVER RULE OF LAW By Diamond online The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) has called for a thorough, independent, impartial and transparent investigation into the death of former Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya, who died in August 2026 during a State security operation, amid growing […]

CCZ CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT PROBE INTO MUTOTWE KAFWAYA’S DEATH, RAISES CONCERN OVER RULE OF LAW

By Diamond online

The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) has called for a thorough, independent, impartial and transparent investigation into the death of former Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya, who died in August 2026 during a State security operation, amid growing concerns over the rule of law, political tensions and public confidence in national institutions.

In a communique issued following a Heads of Churches meeting at the University of Zambia Chapel in Lusaka, CCZ President Reverend Ackson Banda says the circumstances surrounding Mr Kafwaya’s death must be fully investigated to establish the facts and ensure accountability wherever wrongdoing is established.

The Church has also expressed concern over reports of individuals being arrested and remaining in custody without being promptly brought before a competent court, stressing that the constitutional rights of every citizen must be respected, regardless of political affiliation, religious standing or social status.

Rev. Banda says the period following the 2026 general election presents Zambia with an opportunity to address longstanding national challenges, rebuild public confidence in institutions and promote reconciliation, warning that the country must prioritise dialogue over confrontation and justice over the selective application of the law.

The CCZ has further called for urgent investigations into allegations of organised groups or militias operating outside established security structures, urging law enforcement agencies to establish the facts and ensure that anyone found to have broken the law is held accountable.

Rev. Banda says this moment calls for wisdom rather than political triumphalism, restraint rather than provocation, dialogue rather than confrontation, and justice rather than selective application of the law.

The Church has also urged Government, opposition political parties, civil society and other stakeholders to embrace sustained national dialogue, saying reconciliation should go beyond public declarations and ceremonies and be demonstrated through justice, forgiveness and a genuine commitment to rebuilding trust.

While acknowledging progress in areas such as debt restructuring, key economic indicators and the continued implementation of free education, CCZ says many Zambians remain burdened by the high cost of living, unemployment, food insecurity and energy challenges.

It has therefore called for economic policies that translate national progress into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens, while urging political leaders to protect democratic space, reject political violence and ensure that constitutional reforms remain inclusive and people-driven.

The Heads of Churches say the Church will continue to play a prophetic and pastoral role in promoting justice, peace and national unity while maintaining its independence from partisan political interests.