Police, DEC Warn against Unlawful Gatherings as Archbishop Alick Banda Appears before DEC

The Zambia Police Service and the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) have urged members of the public to refrain from unlawful gatherings and processions as Lusaka Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda is expected to appear before the DEC on Monday.

In a joint statement, Zambia Police Service Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi and Drug Enforcement Commission Public Relations Officer Allan Tamba say only Dr. Banda’s legal representative and other appropriate persons connected to the matter will be allowed to accompany him when he appears before investigators.

The two spokespersons also urge members of the public to avoid making inflammatory statements, stressing that the matter under investigation relates specifically to the alleged possession of property reasonably believed to have been unlawfully obtained.

Mr Tamba says, Dr. Banda has been summoned in connection with ongoing investigations into a blue Toyota Hilux motor vehicle bearing registration number ALF 7734, which is alleged to have been unlawfully obtained from the Zambia Revenue Authority between August 2021 and December 2023.

They says the vehicle forms part of a wider investigation involving about 22 Zambia Revenue Authority motor vehicles allegedly disposed of improperly, a matter that has already resulted in the conviction of other individuals through the courts.

The two officials say the Police will take appropriate measures in accordance with the law to prevent any unlawful conduct and maintain public order, adding that the public will be informed of the outcome of the investigations when appropriate.