DEC arrests Archbishop Banda over alleged possession of ZRA vehicle
BRIEFING | DEC arrests Archbishop Banda over alleged possession of ZRA vehicle
The Drug Enforcement Commission has formally charged and arrested Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda over the alleged possession of a Zambia Revenue Authority vehicle and says he is expected to appear in court today.
DEC says Archbishop Banda has been charged with possession of property reasonably believed to have been unlawfully obtained, contrary to Section 319 of the Penal Code. The Commission alleges that between April 22, 2021 and December 27, 2023, he had possession of a blue Toyota Hilux, registration ALF 7734, “being property reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained from the Zambia Revenue Authority.”
The vehicle is part of a wider investigation involving approximately 22 ZRA vehicles alleged to have been improperly disposed of, according to DEC. The Commission had earlier warned and cautioned Archbishop Banda over the same vehicle on January 5, before investigations continued.
“Following his formal arrest, Dr. Banda is scheduled to appear before Court today,” DEC spokesperson Allan Tamba said in Monday’s statement. The charge remains an allegation and will now move into the court process.
DEC also urged citizens to “refrain from issuing or circulating inflammatory statements regarding the matter,” saying this was necessary to promote public peace, law and order.
The Commission said it remained committed to investigating and prosecuting financial crimes through “lawful and evidence-based investigative processes.”
The People’s Brief | Ollus R. Ndomu