DEC Charges Archbishop Alick Banda over Alleged Unlawful Possession of ZRA Vehicle

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has formally charged and arrested Lusaka Archdiocese Archbishop, His Grace Dr. Alick Banda, for the alleged possession of property reasonably believed to have been unlawfully obtained, in connection with a motor vehicle suspected to have been improperly disposed of by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).

Addressing the media, DEC Public Relations Officer Allan Tamba says the charge is pursuant to Section 319 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia, and relates to a blue Toyota Hilux bearing registration number AOF 7734, which Dr. Banda allegedly possessed between 22nd April 2021 and 27th December 2023, on dates unknown.

Mr. Tamba says the vehicle is part of a wider investigation involving approximately 22 ZRA motor vehicles alleged to have been improperly disposed of, with Dr. Banda scheduled to appear before court today following his formal arrest.

The DEC has assured the public that updates on the court proceedings will be provided when legally permissible, while urging citizens to refrain from issuing or circulating inflammatory statements that could undermine public peace, law and order.