LAZ DEMANDS INDEPENDENT PROBE INTO KAFWAYA’S DEATH

LAZ DEMANDS INDEPENDENT PROBE INTO KAFWAYA’S DEATH By Edna Mwiimbi Tembo The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has called for an immediate and independent investigation into the death of former Lunte Member of Parliament Mutotwe Kafwaya, saying the circumstances surrounding the shooting cannot be left to speculation. LAZ President Arnold Kaluba says the association is […]

LAZ DEMANDS  INDEPENDENT PROBE INTO KAFWAYA’S DEATH

By Edna Mwiimbi Tembo

The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has called for an immediate and independent investigation into the death of former Lunte Member of Parliament Mutotwe Kafwaya, saying the circumstances surrounding the shooting cannot be left to speculation.

LAZ President Arnold Kaluba says the association is deeply concerned by the delay in confirming and publicly accounting for the events that led to Mr. Kafwaya’s death during a security operation conducted in the election period.

Mr. Kaluba has also questioned what LAZ described as apparent inconsistencies between information that has since emerged and earlier public statements made by senior government officials, including Permanent Secretaries Maambo Haamaundu, Dickson Matembo, and Thabo Kawana.

He says Article 12 of the Constitution protects the right to life and that whether the use of lethal force in Mr. Kafwaya’s case was lawful must be established through an independent, transparent and credible investigation.

LAZ has further expressed concern over reports of arrests and prolonged detention linked to the operation, reminding law enforcement agencies that constitutional safeguards on personal liberty, due process and fair trial must be respected.

The association has also urged government and security agencies to cooperate with the Human Rights Commission and other oversight bodies, while calling on authorities to account for all persons arrested, injured or held in custody during the operation.

LAZ has since extended its condolences to the family of the late Mr. Kafwaya, saying it will continue monitoring the matter and will act where fundamental rights and the rule of law are at stake.

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