Explain fugitive Tayali’s secret return – Changala
By Thandizo Banda
CIVIL rights activist Brebner Changala has demanded an immediate explanation from the Zambia Police Service, National Prosecution Authority (NPA) and the Judiciary on the reported secret return of fugitive Economic and Equity Party leader Chilufya Tayali.
Changala said the silence from all state institutions was an indictment on the state of law and order in the country.
In an exclusive interview with The Mast, Changala said citizens had been left to rely on social media for information while the police, Judiciary and Executive remained mute on a matter of public interest.
“Imagine if it was former Petauke MP [member of Parliament] Emmanuel JJ Banda or [former ambassador] Emmanuel Mwamba who had returned to Zambia, we would have had press briefings by the likes of Thabo Kawana citing the rule of law and police and the Judiciary running helter-skelter,” Changala said.
He said Tayali’s majestic return exposed how the law
was being applied selectively.
“Not even the Inspector General of Police (IG) would want to act because it is a case involving a praise singer,” Changala charged.
He said courts had previously issued three bench warrants for Tayali who had fled from the country for fear of prosecution for various offences while his sureties had been charged by the courts.
Changala said had the matter involved an opposition supporter, police and the courts would already have issued bench warrants hunting citizens like wild animals.
“In this instance we demand a statement from the Zambia Police [Service], NPA and the Judiciary on Tayali’s return and how the law is being applied selectively in the country,” he said.
