LUSAKA – Zambian police have summoned opposition leader Brian Mundubile for questioning over an alleged plot threatening national security, following his defeat in the recent presidential election.Mundubile, who finished second in last week’s election, has alleged that the poll was rigged to hand President Hakainde Hichilema a second term.
Hichilema, who has governed the mineral-rich Southern African nation since 2021, had denied allegations that the election was fraudulent and disputed by the opposition leader.
Mundubile had said he would challenge the election result in court, as tensions continue following the disputed presidential poll and subsequent security developments.
In a statement, police said they wanted to interview Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, as part of investigations into an alleged plot threatening national security.
The opposition presidential candidate reportedly went into hiding after police raided his residence shortly after the Aug. 13 election, during which several opposition figures were arrested.
Police said one of those arrested, former Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya, was shot dead during an exchange of gunfire, further heightening tensions following the election.
The police statement said Mundubile and Zulu had sought refuge “under international law with a known international organisation,” without identifying the organisation involved.
Police added that call-out notices had been served on the lawyers representing Mundubile and Zulu, directing the opposition figures to appear for questioning.
(Reuters/NAN)
