Zambian Archbishop in Shocking K80K Bail Over Luxury ZRA Vehicles, Catholic Faithful Rally

Lusaka Catholic Archbishop Alick Banda was arraigned before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court on Monday, September 28, 2026, to face a charge of possessing property reasonably believed to have been unlawfully obtained. This development followed his appearance before the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) headquarters earlier that day, an event marked by heightened security as Zambia Police in full riot gear restricted access to the premises in Lusaka’s Ridgeway area.

The charge against Archbishop Banda, aged 62 years and 10 months, centres on a contentious blue Toyota Hilux motor vehicle bearing Registration Number ALF 7734. The prosecution alleges that he was in possession of this vehicle between April 22, 2021, and December 27, 2023, property reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). This particular motor vehicle is part of a broader investigation involving approximately 22 ZRA motor vehicles alleged to have been improperly disposed of, a probe that has previously led to convictions.

Archbishop Banda was formally charged under Section 319 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia. The legal process for this matter began with a Warn and Caution Statement recorded on January 5, 2026, culminating in his summons to appear before the DEC on September 28, 2026, for ongoing investigations.

The day of his court appearance began with a powerful display of solidarity, as hundreds of faithful gathered at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus for an 08:00 hours solidarity Mass, offering prayers for their spiritual leader. Following the Mass, the Archbishop, accompanied by Archbishop of Kasama Ignatius Chama, Vicar General Father Andrew Simpasa SJ, ZCCB Secretary General Father Francis Mukosa, and lawyer John Sangwa SC, proceeded to the DEC for questioning. After an intense interrogation, he was swiftly escorted to the court building.

Before Resident Magistrate Mwandu Sakala, Archbishop Banda firmly pleaded not guilty to the charge. The court subsequently granted him K80,000 bail in his own recognisance. Strict conditions were imposed, requiring the prelate to surrender all his travel documents and provide three working sureties from reputable companies, each bound to a K50,000 undertaking, to ensure he remains within the country to face justice.

The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) had earlier expressed fraternal solidarity with Archbishop Banda. In a statement issued by its President, Most Rev. Ignatius Chama, on September 27, 2026, on the eve of the Feast of Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Patrons of Zambia, the ZCCB affirmed deep respect for his pastoral ministry and tireless dedication. The Bishops recalled the Church’s teaching on fairness, dignity, and due process, calling upon all concerned to uphold these principles without prejudice or intimidation. Archbishop Chama praised Banda’s courage and moral clarity, urging the faithful and society to build a society rooted in integrity, unity, and compassion, and asking for prayers for fortitude, serenity, and wisdom during this trial.

Both the DEC and Zambia Police Service, through Public Relations Officer Allan Tamba and Police Spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi, urged members of the public to desist from issuing inflammatory statements, stressing that the matter relates specifically to alleged possession of unlawfully obtained property. They warned that appropriate measures would be taken to prevent any unlawful assembly or breach of the peace around the DEC premises. The DEC affirmed its commitment to discharging its statutory mandate to investigate and prosecute financial crimes through lawful and evidence-based investigative processes. The matter remains before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court, with investigations continuing.