DELIVER US FROM EVIL
…Catholics cry out to God as they escort archbishop to DEC
By Mast Reporters
“AND deliver us from evil…,” they shouted.
Hundreds of lay members, priests, nuns and leaders of the Catholic Church escorted the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lusaka Dr Alick Banda to the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) yesterday while praying loudly to God to deliver them from evil.
A calm Archbishop Banda, dressed in a black and purple robe, walked from the Cathedral of the Child Jesus in Longacres to the DEC offices in Ridgeway accompanied by opposition leaders and an ‘army’ of lawyers where he was warned and cautioned over a gift he received from a citizen.
Armed with rosaries and miniature crosses, members of the Catholic Women’s League, Catholic Men’s Organisation and various other groups walked behind their towering archbishop while loudly reciting the ‘Hail Mary’ prayer.
Archbishop Banda was flanked by lawyer and People’s Pact Movement presidential candidate Dr Fred M’membe and Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) vice president Bishop Charles Kasonde from Solwezi Diocese.
The procession was preceded by a mass attended by Catholics and opposition leaders who had turned up to offer the prelate solidarity with the archbishop as he responded to a call-out issued by DEC last week.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit (AMLIU) of DEC yesterday warned and cautioned Archbishop Banda in connection with a gift he received from a citizen.
DEC public relations officer Allan Tamba said in a statement the statement, which is likely to lead to the archbishop’s arrest, was part of ongoing investigations into his alleged unlawful possession of a Toyota Hilux Motor Vehicle with Registration Number ALF7734, being property of the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).
“Particulars of the matter are that; Dr Banda, on dates unknown, but between 22nd April 2021 and 27th December 2023, did have in his possession a motor vehicle Toyota Hilux Registration Number ALF7734, property which is reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained from ZRA, contrary to Section 319 (a) of the Penal Code Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia,” Tamba said.
“The public may wish to note that when granted an opportunity to explain how he assumed possession of the said motor vehicle, Dr Alick Banda chose to remain silent.”
He said DEC would update the nation regarding the outcome of the investigations at an appropriate time
Many stakeholders have condemned the summons and subsequent statement as part of the persecution of the archbishop for being a critic of President Hakainde Hichilema and his administration.
