Yes, we grabbed ‘Ichipaso’ from Bishop Alick Banda – DEC
THE Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has gone public confirming that it grabbed a Toyota Hilux from Lusaka Diocese Archbishop Bishop Alick Banda because it was irregularly acquired.
This morning, Kalemba reported that the outspoken clergyman surrendered a Toyota Hilux, to DEC in December last year after he was served with seizure notice.
The Toyota Hilux affectionately known as “Ichipaso” among Bemba speaking auto mobile enthusiasts is said to have been amongst 22 Zambia Revenue Authority vehicles said to have been irregularly disposed off by the institution’s leadership.
After receiving a storm of inquiries from the media and the public following story on Kalemba, DEC issued a statement through its public relations officer, Allan Tamba this evening.
Tamba confirmed the seizure of the Toyota Hilux registration number ALF 7734 in December saying, nine months later the Bishop has not challenged the action.
The vehicle was handed to DEC by Bishop Banda’s lawyer John Sangwa, on December 27, 2023.
“Pursuant to Administrative Forfeiture Processes under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic substances Act Number 35 of 2021 of the Laws of Zambia, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), commenced the forfeiture process relating to a motor vehicle, Toyota Hilux with Registration Number ALF7734,” the statement read.
“The Commission wishes to confirm that the subject motor vehicle has duly been forfeited to the State, Pursuant to Section 83 of Act No. 35 of 2021 of the Laws of the Republic of Zambia. As of June 27, 2024, Archbishop Banda, did not claim the vehicle and no proceedings
regarding the vehicle had been instituted by the Commission.”
Tamba said in line with Section 83 of Act No. 35 of 2021 of the Laws of Zambia, any seized property that has not been claimed is deemed to be duly and legally forfeited to the State after the expiration of six months from date
of seizure.
Tamba said the Commission will not divulge further information on the matter, as the car is a subject of active Court proceedings in a matter where former ZRA Commissioner general Kingsley Chanda and director administration Calitus Kaoma are charged with 22 counts of willful failure to comply with procedure.
According to evidence before the Economic and Financial Crimes Court, the Catholic priest is among the people that received free cars out of the 22 vehicles which were disposed of by top officials of the Revenue Authority without following procedure.
Others are Derick Mpundu and a charitable organization the Heart of Mercy.
By Mwaka Ndawa
Kalemba September 12, 2024.
Yes, we grabbed ‘Ichipaso’ from Bishop Alick Banda – DEC
