28Aug
By JULIUS PHIRI, Lusaka, Zambia
Godfrey Chilabi,Zambia Police Service public relations officer
Brian Mundubile,opposition leader
L-R: Mundubile and Zulu
About two weeks after Zambia’s August 13 general elections, National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, are in police custody over allegations of treason.
The Zambia Police Service confirmed on Thursday, August 27, 2026, that it had recorded warn-and-caution statements from both men in connection with an alleged offence of treason, contrary to Section 43(1) of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia. Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi said in a statement that the two were interviewed by investigators on Thursday and remained in custody as investigations continued.“The Zambia Police Service will provide further information on the circumstances of the matter as investigations progress,” Chilabi said.
However, police have not disclosed the specific conduct or events that have triggered the treason investigation.From Campaign Trail to Police Custody. The development comes 14 days after the presidential election and has attracted significant national attention.
Mundubile and Zulu contested the August 13 presidential election under the Tonse Alliance banner.In the early hours of August 18, the Electoral Commission of Zambia declared incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development the winner of the presidential election.
Mundubile did not immediately concede defeat and, according to political circles, subsequently maintained a low public profile together with Zulu as the Tonse Alliance prepared to move into opposition. Their whereabouts and activities during the period have not been publicly detailed.What Police Have — and Haven’t — Said What is currently established is that police recorded warn-and-caution statements from the two politicians and that they remain in custody.
What remains unclear is what specific allegations led to the investigation.The police statement does not identify particular events, dates, locations or actions allegedly involving Mundubile and Zulu. It also does not state whether additional arrests are expected or whether the investigation relates to activities before, during or after the August 13 elections.
A warn-and-caution statement is part of the criminal investigation process and allows police to question a suspect while informing them of their legal rights. The fact that an investigation has been opened does not, by itself, establish guilt. Any allegations would have to be tested through the legal process.A Serious Offence.
Treason under Section 43(1) of the Penal Code is among the most serious offences under Zambian law and concerns conduct regarded as being against the State.
The provision carries severe penalties upon conviction, making the current investigation particularly significant in the country's post-election environment.With both politicians in custody, attention is now likely to focus on whether police will formally charge them before a court, seek further legal processes, or release them while investigations continue.A Political Case in a Legal Frame
The development has placed Zambia's post-election political environment under renewed scrutiny.For the UPND government, the investigation will test its handling of criminal allegations involving prominent political opponents. For the Tonse Alliance and its supporters, the arrests are likely to raise questions about whether the investigation is purely a legal matter or has political implications.
Civil society organisations have previously called for security-related laws, including treason provisions, to be applied transparently and without political bias because of the potential impact such cases can have on political activity and public discourse.
As of Thursday evening, neither Mundubile's NRPUP nor the Tonse Alliance had publicly responded to the police announcement.Police have maintained that more information will be provided as investigations progress.Other Tonse-Linked Arrests.
The arrests also come against the backdrop of other arrests involving individuals linked to the Tonse Alliance, with some political figures facing allegations relating to militia activities.
Details surrounding those cases remain separate from the treason investigation involving Mundubile and Zulu unless investigators establish a direct connection.
Meanwhile, President-elect Hichilema is expected to be sworn in on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, marking the formal commencement of his new presidential term.For now, two men who appeared on Zambia's presidential ballot just 14 days ago remain in police custody, while the public awaits further explanation from investigators about the allegations at the centre of the treason probe.
