Zambian opposition leader questioned by police - state media

What the report says

Zambian opposition leader Brian Mundubile has been handed over to police and is being questioned in the presence of his lawyers, according to state broadcaster ZNBC, BBC Africa reported. The report said the questioning follows a summons over alleged activities that police say could threaten national security. Mundubile had previously gone into hiding after contesting the result of Zambia’s recent presidential election.

BBC Africa said the official results from the 13 August vote gave President Hakainde Hichilema 60% of the ballot, compared with 38% for Mundubile. The opposition says it was unable to pursue a court challenge because the courts were sealed off on Monday, the final day a case could have been filed. Hichilema is due to begin a second term on 1 September.

The article also recalled the unrest that followed the election. On the day after the vote, security forces raided a property in Lusaka linked to Mundubile, killing a former cabinet minister and arresting several other politicians. Authorities said the opposition was plotting an armed insurgency, which opposition figures denied.

BBC Africa reported that Mundubile’s party said he had been in a secure location under protection after threats against him. ZNBC said he and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, had been under UN protection in Lusaka before being taken for questioning.