Police in Lusaka have launched an investigation into the disappearance of Petauke Central Member of Parliament Emmanuel Banda under unclear circumstances.
Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, stated that a concerned member of the public from Meanwood Ibex reported an abandoned motor vehicle via phone on May 25, 2024, at 03:30 hours.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, Hamoonga revealed that the vehicle in question was a white Toyota Land Cruiser with registration number BAX 3974ZM, missing its front plate.
The vehicle was found 2.6 km west of the Ibex Police Station, with its engine running, doors unlocked, lights on and the right side of the windscreen shattered.
“Inside the vehicle, officers found two phones and a written note stating, ‘DEAR ZAMBIANS, I AM VERY SORRY. PLEASE FORGIVE ME AND STAY BLESSED. HON JAY BANDA MP,'” Hamoonga stated.
He added that a search of the surrounding area yielded no further evidence and the vehicle was subsequently transported to Twin Palm Police Station for further investigation.
“Preliminary investigations have revealed that Honorable Jay Banda left his Ibex Hill home on May 24, 2024, at 21:30 hours, stating he was going to a meeting,” Hamoonga said.
Banda was reported to have arrived at his wife’s home in Kamwala South at 22:27 hours, near the Yellow Shop, leaving at 01:00 hours to return to his other wife’s home in Ibex Hill to prepare for departure to Petauke for a wedding.
However, his Ibex Hill wife confirmed that Banda did not reach their residence.
“We urge anyone with information related to this incident to come forward and assist with our inquiries. An inquiry file has been opened,” Hamoonga appealed.
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