Zambian opposition leader Brian Mundubile has been handed over to police and is being questioned following his decision to go into hiding after disputing the outcome of the country’s recent presidential election, state broadcaster ZNBC has reported.

Official results from the 13 August election showed incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema securing about 60% of the vote, while Mundubile received 38%.

Tensions escalated a day after the election when security forces raided a property in Lusaka linked to Mundubile. A former cabinet minister was killed during the operation, while several other opposition politicians were arrested.

Authorities accused members of the opposition of plotting an armed insurgency, allegations that the opposition has denied.

Following the raid, Mundubile’s NRPUP party said he had moved to a secure location under the protection of an international human rights organisation because of threats against him.

According to ZNBC, Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, were subsequently placed under the protection of the United Nations in Lusaka.

The state broadcaster reported that the two have now been handed over to law enforcement officers and are being interviewed in the presence of their lawyers.

The questioning follows a police summons concerning alleged activities that authorities say could pose a threat to national security.

Meanwhile, the opposition has been unable to mount a legal challenge against the election results after authorities reportedly sealed off the courts on Monday, the final day on which an electoral challenge could be filed.

The developments have heightened tensions surrounding Zambia’s disputed election and raised fresh concerns over the treatment of opposition figures following the vote.