Zambia archbishop released on bail after night in jail

LUSAKA, Zambia  — Archbishop Alick Banda of the Archdiocese of Lusaka in Zambia has been released from Chimbokaila Correctional Facility after meeting the bail conditions set by the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court.

The archbishop spent a night in custody after he could not complete the bail process before close of business, despite the court granting him bail of 80,000 Zambian kwacha (about $4,094) on Sept. 28.

Banda was arrested by Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) over the alleged possession of property suspected to have been unlawfully obtained, contrary to Section 319 of the Penal Code.

The charge relates to a blue Toyota Hilux bearing registration number ALF 7734, which the DEC alleges Banda had in his possession between April 22, 2021, and Dec. 27, 2023.

According to the particulars of the case, the vehicle is alleged to have been unlawfully obtained from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).

The DEC said the vehicle forms part of a wider investigation involving approximately 22 ZRA motor vehicles allegedly disposed of improperly.

The archbishop appeared before Magistrate Mwandu Nakazwe, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The court granted him 80,000 Zambian kwacha (about $4,094) bail on his own recognizance (meaning he does not need to pay up front), requiring three working sureties (guarantors — usually family members or responsible parties) who are each bound to pay the sum of 50,000 Zambian kwacha (about $2,560) if the accused takes off or skips court.

The court also ordered the archbishop to surrender his travel documents.

Following his release, Banda will remain subject to the court process as he awaits further proceedings in the case.

The allegations against him remain unproven, and the archbishopʼs “not guilty” plea means the matter will now proceed through the judicial process.

The archbishop’s arrest has generated varied reactions among members of the public, with calls for calm and for the legal process to be allowed to proceed without inflammatory statements.

Members of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed solidarity with Banda as he appeared before the DEC, calling for fairness, dignity, and due process.

In a statement issued Sept. 28, the Zambian bishops also called for spiritual solidarity with Banda as he faces the charges.

The bishops affirmed their deep respect for Banda’s pastoral ministry and his tireless dedication to serving the Church and the nation.

“In this moment, we recall the Church’s teaching that every person is entitled to fairness, dignity, and due process. We therefore call upon all concerned to ensure that these principles are upheld without prejudice or intimidation,” they said.

This story was first published by ACI Africa, the sister service of EWTN News in Africa, and has been adapted by EWTN News.

Source: https://www.ewtnnews.com/world/africa/zambia-archbishop-released-on-bail-after-night-in-jail