Social Media Trends: Govt regrets Kafwaya’s death but netizens insist on accountability

Netizens have reacted sharply to a statement by Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, following the confirmed death of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya, who was murdered during a joint security operation in Kabulonga, Lusaka, with authorities saying security forces exchanged fire with unidentified individuals.

Kafwaya’s death, which was confirmed on Wednesday, has triggered questions online over the circumstances surrounding his death and government’s response to the incident.

Kangwa said: “Government regrets the death of Mutotwe Kafwaya and no further comments will be made on the matter as it is under investigation.”

He further said: “Our security wings are on high alert to protect citizens.”

The statement, issued within 24 hours after Kafwaya’s death was confirmed, attracted strong reactions from social media users.

Kennedy PHIRI said: “It had to take the court to have the government militia take responsibility. If the family didn’t apply for the remains in life or death, to be brought back to the family, the HH and his families in the army would have simply made him disappear. Others have such capabilities and others have non, how many Zambians have been killed and or disappeared in the same circumstances?”

Responding to Kangwa’s statement, Phiri added: “It was in the house, that he got killed and not in the streets shooting around. Brutal murder, and nothing else.”

Fail Chali commented: “I advise my brothers to seek forgiveness and repent of their ungodly acts just like myself cause one day, each one of us will give an account to a righteous judge not a carnal judge where no politicians will shield them.”

Paul Kapasule PHIRI said: “Who can believe that statement there is no way the killer is regretting killing someone.”

Josphant Musonda wrote: “How can a killer regret killing someone, mwe bantu sure ba kangwa😭.”

Kangwa’s remarks that the security wings were on high alert to protect citizens also drew criticism.

One netizen, responding to Counsel Arnold Chasaya, said: “The same citizens you are slaughtering? For now, we will protect ourselves as citizens. Simple. I am buying tools to ensure my family is safe. Government can protect itself!.”

Annie Sakala responded: “Counsel Arnold Chasaya they will raid ur home , find a knife u used to slota a chicken and say uv bin found with militia 🤣🤣🤣ala tekwesha.”

Mark Lungu asked: “To kill or to protect 🤔 I don’t understand.”

Julias Zulu said: “Me I’m protected since Independence, but this time I’m worrying.”

The comments reflect strong reactions from some members of the public to government’s response, although the allegations contained in the social media comments have not been independently established. Kangwa said the matter remained under investigation.

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