GOVT CONFIRMS DEATH OF MUTOTWE KAFWAYA

The Zambia Police have recovered the body of Mr. Mutotwe Kafwaya following an intelligence-led joint security operation conducted in Kabulonga on August 14, 2026.
Inspector General of Police Graphel C. Musamba, speaking on behalf of the Central Joint Operations Committee (CJOC) and Service Chiefs, said the operation was carried out around 19:30 hours by a Joint Task Force team that included the Drug Enforcement Commission.
According to the statement, the operation was mounted after intelligence was gathered following the recovery of K7.3 million in a previous task force operation in Lusaka. Security wings had also been monitoring activities by individuals of national interest suspected to pose a threat to national security since November 2023.
Mr. Musamba said upon arrival at the premises, the team was met with gunfire and resistance from unknown individuals. The task force returned fire, during which one unidentified male person was fatally wounded and a firearm was recovered. The person was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Following social media reports of a missing person, efforts were made to establish the identity of the deceased. Family members were called this evening and have positively identified the body as that of Mr. Mutotwe Kafwaya.
Arrests Made
A total of eleven (11) persons were apprehended at the premises. Among them are three former commandos with specialised special forces skills, and two retired police officers, one of whom served with the Flying Squad (C5).
The suspects are being held in connection with alleged offences relating to treason and any other offences that may be established during investigations. They have been named as: Mr. Brazil Soko, aged 56; Mr. Jackson Mutyoka, 41; Mr. Bernard Chewe, 41; Mr. Simon Phiri, 43; Mr. Richard Banda, 49; Mr. George Kangwa Chisanga, 59; Mr. Trevor Mwamba, 68; Mr. Francis Mulenga, 26; Mr. Emmanuel Mulenga, 56; Mr. Patrick Mwansa, 39 and Mr. Darius Mwila, 57.
Items Recovered
The Joint Task Force recovered several items during the search, including:

  • Firearms and ammunition: High-grade military-version automatic UZI weapons, five AK-47 rifles with 60 rounds of ammunition, one Zastava pistol, four Beretta magazines, one bulletproof vest, one commando dagger, and gun maintenance equipment.
  • Tactical equipment: Military-version binoculars with night-vision capability, tactical gloves, taser-type devices, Baofeng walkie-talkies, a DVR and video splitter.
  • Electronic and ICT devices: Several devices have been secured for forensic examination.
    All recovered materials are undergoing detailed investigation to establish ownership, source, intended use and possible connection to the alleged offences.

Assurance to Public
CJOC assured the public that the operation was conducted in the interest of national security and that there is no intention to target individuals based on political affiliation, occupation or status. All suspects will be accorded their constitutional rights and investigations will be conducted professionally and impartially.
Members of the public have been urged to remain calm and avoid speculation or circulation of unverified information. Further updates will be provided as investigations progress.


Issued by: Graphel C. Musamba, Inspector General of Police, on behalf of the Central Joint Operations Committee