Lubinda Demands Transparency as Archbishop Banda Returns to DEC

Former Patriotic Front acting president Given Lubinda has called for transparency and due process as Archbishop Alick Banda returns to the Drug Enforcement Commission over an investigation dating back to January.

Banda is due to appear before the DEC on Monday, September 28, following a renewed summons linked to the alleged unlawful possession of a Toyota Hilux belonging to the Zambia Revenue Authority.

The DEC says the vehicle, registration number ALF 7734, forms part of a wider investigation into the alleged improper disposal of about 22 ZRA vehicles. The Commission previously warned and cautioned Banda in January over his alleged possession of the vehicle, which investigators said was reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.

Lubinda, in a statement, said no citizen should be above the law, but equally no citizen should be denied the protection of the law.

He said Banda had indicated his readiness to respond to the renewed summons through lawful channels, while calling on the DEC to handle the matter professionally, fairly and impartially.

Lubinda's main concern is the length and transparency of the investigation.

He said the DEC should provide appropriate clarification on the status of the matter and ensure that the process does not become a source of political speculation or public condemnation.

The renewed summons comes nearly nine months after Banda first appeared before the DEC in connection with the vehicle.

In January, the Commission said Banda had been given an opportunity to explain how he came into possession of the Hilux but chose to remain silent. The DEC said at the time that investigations were continuing and that the public would be informed of the outcome.

The Commission has now confirmed that the renewed summons follows the warn-and-caution statement recorded from Banda on January 5.

Lubinda said the renewed appearance should not be interpreted as placing Banda above investigation.

Instead, he called for the process to demonstrate the same principles of fairness and accountability expected of any investigation.

The Archdiocese of Lusaka has meanwhile called on Catholics to remain peaceful and united in prayer as the Archbishop responds to the summons. A solidarity Mass is scheduled at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus before Banda's appearance at the DEC.

Police have also warned against unlawful assemblies or conduct that could breach the peace around the Archbishop's appearance.

Lubinda said political leaders and citizens should allow the legal process to take its course while insisting that truth, justice, human dignity and the rule of law remain central.

The renewed summons places a long-running investigation back in the public spotlight, with attention focused not only on the allegations surrounding the ZRA vehicle but also on how the authorities handle the case involving one of Zambia's most prominent religious leaders.