Archbishop Alick Banda warned and cautioned over alleged ZRA vehicle
The Drug Enforcement Commission has confirmed that it has warned and cautioned Archbishop Alick Banda as part of ongoing investigations into his alleged possession of a Toyota Hilux motor vehicle linked to the Zambia Revenue Authority.
In a statement issued through its Public Relations Office, the Commission said the matter is being handled by its Anti Money Laundering Investigations Unit and relates to a motor vehicle bearing registration number ALF 7734, which investigators reasonably suspect may have been unlawfully obtained. The investigation covers a period between April 2021 and December 2023.
According to the Commission, the investigation is anchored on Section 319(a) of the Penal Code, which deals with possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime. The Commission stated that the warn and caution procedure was conducted to formally inform the Archbishop of his rights and to give him an opportunity to explain how he came into possession of the vehicle.
The Commission further disclosed that when given an opportunity to explain how he assumed possession of the Toyota Hilux, Archbishop Banda chose to remain silent. DEC said investigations remain ongoing and that the public will be updated regarding the outcome at an appropriate time.
Earlier in the day, Archbishop Banda appeared at DEC offices in Lusaka after concluding mass at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus. He arrived at around 10:20 hours in the company of his lawyers, opposition political leaders, and Catholic faithful who had gathered to accompany him.
The interrogation reportedly lasted about two hours, after which Archbishop Banda returned to the Cathedral of the Child Jesus together with his legal team. His lawyers did not disclose athe outcome of the interview to the media.
During the procession to DEC offices, police officers led by Lusaka Province Deputy Police Commanding Officer Ronald Zambo described the gathering as illegal and urged sympathisers to disperse. Police maintained a visible presence as the group moved through parts of the city.
Earlier, a mass service was held at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus at Pope Square to show solidarity with the Archbishop. The service was attended by scores of Lusaka residents, including several opposition political leaders. Among those present were Socialist Party President Fred M’membe, United Liberal Party President Sakwiba Sikota, National Democratic Congress President Saboi Imboela, and Patriotic Front presidential hopefuls.
In his homily during the mass, Archbishop Banda spoke about persecution in religious service, stating that those who suffer for their service to God will be reunited and find joy in Jesus Christ. His remarks were delivered before he proceeded to DEC offices.
DEC has since clarified that recording a warn and caution statement is a standard legal procedure used during investigations. In legal terms, a warn and caution means a person is formally informed of their rights and warned that anything they say may be recorded and used as evidence. The procedure does not amount to a finding of guilt but allows investigators to document a person’s account of events.
The Commission emphasised that the process marks an early stage in investigations and that conclusions can only be reached once inquiries are completed. DEC said the investigation remains active and that updates will be provided once appropriate.
It was very common during the previous government, moving pieces especially involving bribery or the illicit exploitation of one’s position of power or authority. Now is the time, chickens have come home to roost.
Joker
There must be priests-lawyers, not that dirty Sangwa.
……….
The Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lusaka, Dr Alick Banda, is………
A hypocrite,………….
the corruption , political violence and tribal attacks were carried out with his blessings………
Not once did he voice even concern the maimed and people killed by PF violence……….
Today he is even enjoying an escort to DEC , if it were during lungus time , some one would haven been shot
We are here
FWD2041
Another lie in Broad day light
Wisdom
I challenge you to tell me where is the
lie ???
FWD2041
Can somebody tell me what Dr.that guy is?
Just research
If its not honorari then its fine
Look at these so-called opposition leaders instead of telling the people how they will lower the cost of leaving this year if voted into power, they busy escorting people to police stations. How can that solve the problems we have at the moment; do they have advisors sure? it’s like the question paper is asking to construct Black-Scholes-Merton (BSM) Model but instead you start narrating how the bantu moved from Luba lunda empire to southern Africa clearly it does not make sense at all.
So does summoning the Archibishop solve our economic problems?
They are just going after anyone they identify as an enemy. Desperate power speekers with nothing to show for 4 years of noisemaking
Useless governmen.
Pressure is building up for sure
Pity some cant see further than their nose
hakahinde sun hotel livingston bord rothchild mopani sale usa dollar how are you going to buy chines arms with rothchild mopani sale usa dollar mines hichilema hachilema kaunda dont ever free south africa again wag1 satan switzerland satelite
hakahinde sun hotel south africa livingston bord rothchild mopani sale usa dollar how are you going to buy chines arms with rothchild mopani sale usa dollar mines hichilema hachilema kaunda dont ever free south africa again wag1 satan switzerland satelite
Iwe Josh ukamba chiyani kansi?
sorry lusaka times for saying wag1 satan switzerland satelite
He chose to remain silent because he is as guilty as hell and doesn’t want to implicate himself. Wise move.
Guilty or not Why all of a sudden before elections
and you call this forward ??
What they going to do when the Lungu issue raises its head again Blame the dead ???
Respecting the law of the land is a core principle in Zambia’s electoral process, with the Constitution established as the supreme law. Thus the election will not interfered. The principle that “no one is above the law” continues to be tested through several high-profile legal proceedings involving executive power and accountability. Actually, the UPND been moving slow, it’s not deliberate but just being thoroughly cautious.
This was Double Christmas for attention seekers….they lined up at AM…..ba pompwe
Especially chi Spaka, chief herdsman at Bweengwa ranch. Specializing in the cow thinking logic of where’s the cow with the bell so we can all just follow him.
I see Zambia’s next president walking right beside the Bishop. Is his excellency Mr J Sangwa a catholic?
Instead of sorting out the high cost of living
Zambian opposition politicians stink to the very heavens above! A thieving bandit mysteriously kicks the bucket in Pretoria & they all line up to bury him graciously in a foreign country until Mulilo’s injunction stops them. Here too, a roped Catholic Ayatollah Cleric steals a govt car and here they all go again parading themselves with the stinking crook against Zambians. Especially that M’Membe and ka Tombolilo Sangwapo, they’re rotten to the core with wicked political opportunism.
Receiving stole goods makes an accessory to the crime.The Bishop in question received the vehicle knowingly he must be held accountable
SC Sangwa went on DEC premisss as a lawyer? Thought he had quit practice to run for president?? But Brian was barred?