Key facts
- Opposition leader Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu are in police custody.
- They are being questioned in connection with an alleged offence of treason.
- Mundubile had disputed the recent presidential election results.
- Security forces raided a property linked to Mundubile, leading to a death and arrests.
- Authorities accused the opposition of planning an armed insurgency, which they denied.
- Mundubile had been under the protection of an international human rights body.
Zambian opposition leader Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu have been taken into police custody for questioning in connection with alleged treason. The Zambia Police Service confirmed the development, stating the questioning related to alleged activities threatening national security.
Mundubile had been in hiding after disputing the results of the recent presidential election, which incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema won with 60% of the vote compared to Mundubile's 38%. The opposition claimed they were unable to file a legal challenge to the outcome because courts were sealed off by authorities on the final day for submissions.
Following the election, security forces raided a property linked to Mundubile, which resulted in the death of a former cabinet minister and the arrest of other politicians. Authorities accused the opposition of planning an armed insurgency, a claim that Mundubile and his party denied. Mundubile had previously stated he was under the protection of an international human rights body due to reported threats.
President Hichilema is scheduled to be inaugurated for his second term on September 1.