Banda: Police say its operatives took lawmaker to Maina Soko Medical Centre against family’s decision

The Zambia Police Service has expressed concerns regarding the actions of the relatives of Petauke Central lawmaker, Emmanuel Banda, following his discovery.

Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, said that after Banda was found at Kasanga Family Farm and identified by family members, he complained of general body pains and had visible bruises.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, Hamoonga said police arranged for an ambulance to transport Banda to Maina Soko Medical Centre for proper medical treatment under a secure environment and for further investigations.

However, Hamoonga noted that the relatives forcibly took him to Medlands Hospital, disregarding police’s duty and plans for his safety.

“Despite the presence of an ambulance, the relatives remained uncooperative. Police officers trailed the vehicle to Medlands Hospital and again attempted to engage in dialogue with the relatives, who remained adamant,” Hamoonga said.

Ultimately, the police said it used all legal means to ensure Banda’s transfer to Maina Soko Medical Centre, where he was now receiving treatment in a secure environment.

Hamoonga explained that at approximately 23:10 hours, Kafue Police Station received a report from a member of the public about someone claiming to be Banda at Kasanga Family Farm, located off the gravel road leading to Kafue Boys Secondary School.

Police officers quickly responded to the scene and upon arrival were joined by family members who arrived in three different vehicles, guided by a resident of the farm.

The family members identified the individual as the missing lawmaker, Banda.

“He was found lying on the kitchen doorstep of the farmhouse, claiming to have been dumped by unknown persons a few meters from the farm,” Hamoonga stated.

Banda complained of general body pains and bruises were observed on his back.

Police, along with family members, promptly transported Banda to Kafue General Hospital for initial medical care.

At the hospital, a disagreement arose between Banda’s relatives and the police.

“The relatives insisted on transferring him to Medlands Hospital, while the police preferred that he be taken to Maina Soko Medical Centre to ensure comprehensive medical evaluation under secure conditions,” Hamoonga said.

The Zambia Police Service says it has intensified investigations into the matter and urged the public to remain calm and refrain from speculating or spreading unverified information.

Hamoonga assured that the police were committed to uncovering the truth behind this incident and ensuring that all those responsible were held accountable.

On May 25, 2024, a concerned member of the public from Meanwood Ibex reported an abandoned motor vehicle via a phone call.

The vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser with registration number BAX 3974ZM, was discovered parked by the roadside 2.6 km west of Twin Palm police station with the 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 AM VERY SORRY PLEASE FORGIVE ME AND STAY BLESSED HON JAY BANDA MP.”

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