Mundubile, Makebi and 16 others transferred to Mukobeko Maximum Prison

6 ViewsLUSAKA — Opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, his running mate Makebi Zulu and 16 other people accused in the widening treason case have reportedly been transferred to Mukobeko Maximum Security Prison in Kabwe. The reported transfer marks a major escalation in the post-election crackdown, with the 18 now facing treason charges following security operations […]

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LUSAKA — Opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, his running mate Makebi Zulu and 16 other people accused in the widening treason case have reportedly been transferred to Mukobeko Maximum Security Prison in Kabwe.

The reported transfer marks a major escalation in the post-election crackdown, with the 18 now facing treason charges following security operations linked to the opposition.

Sources familiar with the development say Mundubile and Zulu, who had been held at Lusaka Central Police Station after surrendering to authorities, were taken to Mukobeko together with the other accused persons.

The transfer has not yet been officially confirmed by the Zambia Police Service or correctional authorities, and the development remains subject to confirmation.

Mundubile and Zulu were formally charged with one count of treason each, according to their lawyer Milner Katolo. Their charges bring the number of people facing treason allegations in the case to 18.

The two opposition leaders had previously spent several days under United Nations protection before surrendering to Zambian authorities.

Their detention followed investigations arising from a security operation at Mundubile’s Kabulonga residence during which former Cabinet Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was shot dead.

The circumstances surrounding Kafwaya’s death have become one of the most contentious issues in the aftermath of the August 13 presidential election, with the opposition demanding an investigation and disputing aspects of the official account of the operation.

The reported move to Mukobeko comes as the treason investigation continues to widen.

Among those already reported to be facing treason charges are Patrick Mwansa, husband of former President Edgar Lungu’s daughter Tasila Lungu, and businessman Valden Findlay, while a separate list contains 16 people linked to the August 14 security operation at Mundubile’s residence.

Lawyers representing the accused have questioned the basis for the treason charges and maintained that police should have gathered sufficient evidence before charging the suspects.

Katolo has also argued that the accused must be brought before court within the constitutionally prescribed period.

The transfer to a maximum-security facility would place Mundubile and Zulu under significantly tighter detention conditions at a time when their political future and the wider opposition movement are under intense scrutiny.

Mundubile had rejected the official result of the August 13 presidential election and had indicated his intention to challenge the outcome in the Constitutional Court.

The electoral dispute has since been overtaken by the arrests and treason investigations, with opposition figures and their supporters alleging that the state response is aimed at weakening the opposition.

The Government has maintained that security agencies are acting in accordance with the law and that the investigations concern alleged criminal conduct rather than political activity.

The latest development is likely to intensify calls from opposition groups, lawyers and international observers for due process and transparency in the handling of the case.

It also comes days after the Commonwealth expressed concern over Zambia’s post-election situation, calling for an end to arbitrary arrests, due process and the release of people detained for political reasons.

For now, the reported transfer of Mundubile, Zulu and the other accused persons to Mukobeko remains a developing story pending formal confirmation from the authorities.

The accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.