Archbishop Alick Banda of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lusaka spent Monday night at Lusaka Central Correctional Facility, commonly known as Chimbokaila, after the process of finalizing his bail conditions was not completed in time for his release, AciaAfrica reports.
The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court had earlier on September 28 granted the Catholic Archbishop K80,000 (US$4,108) bail self recognition and ordered him to surrender all his travel documents pending trial.
However, the process of completing the bail requirements took longer than anticipated, according to sources, resulting in Archbishop Banda being held overnight at the correctional facility.
The Archbishop had been formally charged and arrested earlier by Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) over allegations of possession of property reasonably believed to have been unlawfully obtained, contrary to Section 319 of the Zambian Penal Code.
The charge relates to a blue Toyota Hilux bearing registration number ALF 7734, which the DEC alleges Archbishop Banda had in his possession between April 22, 2021, and December 27, 2023.
According to the particulars of the case, the vehicle is alleged to have been unlawfully obtained from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).
When the charge was read before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court, Archbishop Banda pleaded not guilty.
The DEC has said the vehicle forms part of a wider investigation involving approximately 22 ZRA motor vehicles allegedly disposed of improperly.
The case is expected to return to court for mention and possible commencement of trial.
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 (ZCCB) expressed solidarity with Archbishop Banda as he appeared before DEC, calling for fairness, dignity and due process as he undergoes the process.
In a statement issued September 28, the Catholic Bishops also called for spiritual solidarity with the Local Ordinary of Zambia’s Catholic Archdiocese of Lusaka as he faces the charges.
The Bishops affirmed their deep respect for Archbishop 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,” the bishops said.
The bishops highlighted Archbishop Banda’s public witness, saying he has consistently spoken with “courage and moral clarity” while reminding the faithful and wider society of their shared responsibility to build a society founded on integrity, unity and compassion.
They said his witness “strengthens our resolve to uphold the values of justice and peace in Zambia,” even as he undergoes the legal process.
The bishops also assured the archbishop of their prayers, asking God to grant him “fortitude, serenity and wisdom” as he faces the proceedings.
They expressed hope that the trial would not weaken the church’s commitment to truth and justice, but instead deepen its collective pursuit of the common good.
The ZCCB further urged Catholic faithful and all people of good will to remain calm and continue praying for peace and unity in Zambia.
“May this trial not diminish but rather deepen our collective commitment to truth, justice and the common good in Zambia.”
The bishops exhorted the nation to pray for calm, peace and unity.
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