Monday, August 17, 2026 - Zambian authorities have arrested 11 people in Lusaka after a security operation uncovered what officials described as high-grade military weapons, ammunition and other materials allegedly linked to plans for an armed insurrection.
Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa said some of those detained had been under surveillance for years over alleged connections to foreign nationals and illegal military training camps. The arrests come at a highly sensitive moment for Zambia, with the country dealing with heightened political tensions following the 2026 presidential election.
Among those detained are George Chisanga, a presidential spokesman for the opposition NRPUP, Bishop Trevor Mwamba, a faction leader of the United National Independence Party, and Patrick Mwansa, the husband of former President Edgar Lungu’s daughter, Tasila.
Authorities said the suspects face various criminal charges and are being held at different police stations in Lusaka, while some people allegedly present at the scene fled and remain unaccounted for. The government says those arrested will have access to their families and lawyers.
The arrests are likely to intensify political scrutiny as Zambia works to maintain calm after election-related violence and disputes over the credibility of the vote. Authorities are portraying the operation as a national-security response, while the involvement of opposition-linked figures makes the case particularly sensitive.
With investigations continuing and more suspects potentially being pursued, attention is now turning to the evidence police will present and whether the arrests will trigger further political tensions across Lusaka.
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