BRIEFING | Police, DEC confirm Archbishop Banda summons over vehicle Prove The Zambia Police Service and Drug Enforcement Commission have confirmed that Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda has been summoned to appear before DEC on Monday as investigations continue into a vehicle allegedly obtained from the Zambia Revenue Authority. In a joint statement issued Sunday, the […]

BRIEFING | Police, DEC confirm Archbishop Banda summons over vehicle Prove

The Zambia Police Service and Drug Enforcement Commission have confirmed that Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda has been summoned to appear before DEC on Monday as investigations continue into a vehicle allegedly obtained from the Zambia Revenue Authority.

In a joint statement issued Sunday, the two agencies said Archbishop Banda’s appearance follows a warn-and-caution statement recorded on January 5.

“The said investigations relate to the offence of being in possession of property reasonably believed to have been unlawfully obtained,” the statement said, citing Section 319 of the Penal Code.

Investigators allege that between April 22, 2021 and December 27, 2023, Archbishop Banda 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 agencies said the vehicle forms part of a wider investigation involving about 22 ZRA vehicles allegedly improperly disposed of. The allegations against Archbishop Banda remain under investigation.

The statement also comes after the Catholic Archdiocese of Lusaka called a solidarity Mass for the Archbishop at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus before his DEC appearance.

Police and DEC said “only his legal representative and appropriate persons connected with the matter will be allowed to accompany him.”

Authorities further urged the public to avoid “any unlawful assembly or public procession, or any other conduct that may breach the peace or contravene relevant laws.”

Police said appropriate measures would be taken in accordance with the law to prevent unlawful conduct.

The joint statement was issued by Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi and DEC Public Relations Officer Allan Tamba.

Authorities said the public would be informed of the outcome of the investigations “as and when appropriate to do so.”

– The People’s Brief | Goran Handya