By Burnett Munthali
LUSAKA, Zambia — Eighteen people, including opposition leader Brian Mundubile, his running mate Makebi Zulu and businessman Valden Findley, have been charged with treason in Zambia, according to their lawyer, amid heightened political tensions following the country’s disputed presidential election.
The suspects include Mundubile, Zulu, Findley and 15 others who are being held at different police stations in Lusaka as investigations continue. Their lawyer, Milner Katolo, confirmed that authorities had formally brought treason charges against the group.
The development represents an escalation of an earlier police investigation involving Mundubile and Zulu. The two opposition figures had previously been questioned by police and detained after recording warn-and-caution statements in connection with allegations relating to treason.
Mundubile, who challenged President Hakainde Hichilema in the August 13 presidential election, has disputed the election outcome and raised concerns about alleged irregularities. Hichilema and his administration have rejected allegations that the election was fraudulent.
The treason case comes amid a broader security operation involving opposition figures following the election. Authorities have said security forces recovered firearms and other military equipment during operations linked to individuals accused of posing a threat to national security. Opposition figures have disputed aspects of the government’s account.
Katolo has called for the authorities to follow due process and bring the suspects before the courts within the period required by law.
The arrests have drawn attention because they involve prominent opposition figures at a politically sensitive time, with Hichilema expected to begin his second term in office.
The United Nations has also expressed interest in the handling of the detainees, with the Zambian government assuring the international body that those arrested would be treated in accordance with national and international law, including guarantees of due process and a fair trial.
The case is likely to remain a major focus of political debate as Zambia moves through the aftermath of the election, with questions surrounding national security, political freedoms and the treatment of opposition figures under increasing scrutiny.
