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Zambian police have arrested several suspected militia members and other persons of interest during an operation at a property in Lusaka’s Kabulonga area linked to National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) leader Brian Mundubile, the Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa said on Sunday.
Kangwa did not directly mention the property as belonging to Mundubile, but said the NRPUP presidential candidate was among those found at the scene.
The statement comes days after the government, through Ministry of Information Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana and Defence Permanent Secretary, Maambo Haamaundu denied reports that the military had raided Mundubile’s residence and exchanged gunfire with occupants.
Kangwa said the joint operation was conducted on Aug. 13 following surveillance of some of the individuals involved over several years and, more recently, in the preceding months.
He alleged that some of those under surveillance were linked to military plans involving foreign nationals and illegal military training camps, which he said posed a serious threat to state security.
According to Kangwa, law enforcement officers recovered high-grade military weapons, ammunition and other materials allegedly intended for use in an armed insurrection.
He said occupants of the property fired shots at law enforcement officers during the operation, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
The operation resulted in the arrest of several suspected militia members and other persons found at the premises, while others fled and remained at large, Kangwa said.
Those arrested were identified as George Chisanga, Bishop Trevor Mwamba, Simon Phiri, Richard Banda, Francis Mulenga and Patrick Mwansa. Kangwa said they were being held at various police stations in Lusaka.
He said the suspects had been charged and would be granted access to their families and lawyers.
Kangwa further said senior members of political parties were among those found at the premises.
He said investigations were continuing and that the government would provide further updates.
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