The Drug Enforcement Commission has defended its decision to summon Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda, rejecting claims that the move was politically motivated or targeted at the Catholic Church and insisting the action is part of a long-running investigation involving alleged misuse of government property.
DEC Director General Nason Banda said the summons should be understood as a routine investigative step and not an indication of guilt. He stressed that the law applies equally to all citizens, regardless of social standing, religious office, or public profile.
The matter has attracted significant public attention after reports emerged that Archbishop Banda had been called to appear before the commission, triggering debate about the rule of law, religious freedom, and the conduct of state institutions.
Addressing the issue, Banda said the case in question predates the current controversy and involves motor vehicles allegedly obtained illegally from the former Zambia Revenue Authority, now the Zambia Revenue Authority. He said some individuals connected to the matter had already been convicted, while others were still under investigation.
He said law-enforcement officers were obligated to follow up any person whose name arises in the course of an investigation, explaining that a “call-out” is the first procedural step used to allow a person to give their side of the story. According to the commission, such notices are private documents intended only for the recipient.
Banda criticised the public circulation of call-out letters on social media, saying the practice distorted the investigative process and unnecessarily exposed individuals to public judgment. He said the commission does not label people criminals before matters are determined by the courts and views the call-out process as a safeguard rather than a sanction.
The DEC chief also rejected suggestions that the investigation was linked to politics or religious targeting. He said he was himself a practising Catholic and described Archbishop Banda as his own archbishop, adding that the investigation was focused on a name appearing in case records rather than a religious title.
He explained that in previous cases, the commission had released seized vehicles and properties after investigations cleared individuals of wrongdoing, including returning rental income collected during seizure periods. He said such outcomes demonstrated that the commission was prepared to close cases where evidence did not support prosecution.
Banda said the purpose of the summons was to clarify facts and conclude the investigation, noting that cases should not remain open indefinitely. He said the commission was under obligation to complete matters brought before it and move on to other investigations once facts were established.
The DEC has maintained that due process requires giving individuals an opportunity to be heard before any determination is made, describing the summons as part of what he called “natural justice.” He said the commission’s role was investigative, not political.
The clarification comes amid heightened public sensitivity over law-enforcement actions involving prominent figures, particularly religious leaders, whose historical role in Zambia’s civic life has often placed them at the centre of national debate.
So must it always be publicised when one is summoned. And what does DEC gain out of this unwarranted publicity.
Scare tactics
Good questions.
Nason Banda should have arranged a private visit to the Bishop.
PF mentality shall never end.
@Nostradamus how could the boss at Community house have kept record of his barking dog’s antics? The neighborhood had to hear him barking at Father Kaya Bishop Banda
Can you also sort out privatisation cases from a long time that have not seen light at DEC offices. Some Zambians became stinking rich out of that exercise and there is good reason for investigation
You might have been wearing napkins during that period. Why didn’t you bring this matter when Chiluba was still alive??
I think for me for harmony and looking at the already existing beef between the Catholic church and the government, I would have just advised DEC to have arranged a private and quiet visit to Dr Bandas residence for investigation. Not that Dr Banda is special or above the law, but by the current fractious environment should not be deepend further mwebanthu.
Alick banda is a PF cadre that benefitted from zra by virtue of a toyota hilux during lungu’s term and the whole transaction needs to be investigated. Even in the current government if such transactions are taking place then they will be investigated by the next government.
Trying to pass a brown envelope
Standard polosidya Since when? Since previous election years?