Zambia Arrests Archbishop Over Car Gift

Anti-corruption authorities in Zambia arrested Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda on Monday over allegations that he possessed a vehicle suspected to have been unlawfully obtained from the Zambia Revenue Authority.

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) said Banda was formally charged with possession of property reasonably believed to have been unlawfully obtained, in connection with a Toyota Hilux that he allegedly possessed between April 2021 and December 2023.

The vehicle is part of a wider investigation involving about 22 Zambia Revenue Authority vehicles that authorities allege were improperly disposed of.

Banda pleaded not guilty when he appeared before a Lusaka magistrate and was granted bail of 80,000 Zambian kwacha, with three working sureties bonded at 50,000 kwacha each, according to Zambian authorities.

The archbishop had previously denied the allegations. He was Archbishop of Lusaka from 2018 and had been an outspoken supporter of the main opposition challenger in the August election that handed President Hakainde Hichilema a second term.

News of his arrest prompted Catholics to gather for prayers at Lusaka’s Cathedral of the Child Jesus, while police had earlier warned the public against unlawful assemblies or processions linked to his appearance before the DEC.

Several opposition figures have also been arrested since the August 13 election, including former opposition candidate Brian Mundubile.

The case against Banda is centred on the alleged possession of the vehicle, while the wider investigation concerns the disposal of the Zambia Revenue Authority vehicles. The allegations remain subject to court proceedings.

SOURCE: AFP