Zambia opposition leader questioned over ‘treason’ amid election fallout
Zambia's entire judiciary closed on Monday on the last valid day to file a court challenge against Hichilema's victory.
Zambian opposition leader Brian Mundubile is currently in police custody on suspicion of treason after seeking refuge at a United Nations building following a controversial election two weeks ago. He surrendered to authorities alongside his running mate, Makebi Zulu, who also recorded caution statements for questioning, a step that precedes formal charges. Both are currently being held in custody.
Mundubile, who contested the presidential election against President Hakainde Hichilema on August 13, maintains that the results were marred by irregularities. He claimed he went into hiding fearing for his life following the disputed outcome. The treason allegations against him and Zulu emerged after a raid by security forces at Mundubile's residence the day after the election. Authorities arrested 11 individuals during the raid, claiming they posed a threat to national security, and they are also facing treason charges.
An opposition official, who was a former Cabinet minister, was fatally shot during the raid, though the exact circumstances of his death remain disputed.
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