.A statement is issued on Friday by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Botchwey, calling for an end to what they have termed as arbitrary arrests, for due process and for the release of all persons detained for political reasons.

The Commonwealth is also dismayed by the Lusaka security operation in which a police officer was injured and former Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya died. 

The Secretary-General called for transparent investigation into the incident as well as for all parties to exercise restraint and for constructive dialogue to de-escalate tensions.

However, State House Zambia has dismissed claims of arbitrary arrests.

The State House chief communication specialist, Clayson Hamasaka, said there was a sustained and increasingly mischievous campaign by some citizens and sections of the opposition-aligned media to portray legitimate investigations as a programme of arrests targeting particular individuals.

He explained that Zambia was a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law and that political affiliation or public prominence could not confer immunity from lawful investigations where there were reasonable grounds to investigate suspected criminal conduct or threats to national security.

Hamasaka cited reports and allegations surrounding the discovery of high-grade military weapons at a private residence, claims that some individuals received specialised or mercenary-style training abroad and public statements allegedly expressing willingness to kill fellow Zambians if an election did not produce a preferred outcome.