By 
Former President Edgar Lungu has demanded the immediate arrest of the alleged abductors of Petauke Central lawmaker Emmanuel Banda.
Among the named suspects are President Hakainde Hichilema’s State House aides, Clayson Hamasaka and Levy Ngoma, as well as UPND Deputy National Youth Chairperson, Trevor Mwiinde.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Lungu questioned why the alleged abductors were free while Banda remained imprisoned with his life allegedly threatened.
“As your immediate former President, it breaks my heart to see the people JJ mentioned in his abduction walking freely without any warn and caution statement or indeed arrest,” he said.
Lungu insisted that Banda’s life was at high risk due to his political tormentors allegedly determined to end it.
He stated that if Banda were to die, the blame would rest on President Hichilema.
“It has come to my attention this evening that sadly, our dear brother and parliamentarian, Hon JJ Banda, MP for Petauke Central, is currently undergoing or about to undergo a surgical procedure at Chipata General Hospital following a severe deterioration in his health,” Lungu wrote.
Lungu expressed concern that Banda had not been given a chance to heal mentally and physically from the abduction and torture he endured between May and June 2024.
He criticized the state for keeping Banda captive, disregarding his health and human rights.
Additionally, Lungu demanded justice and the rule of law, calling for the immediate arrest of the alleged abductors.
He urged all Zambians and international partners, including Southern African Development Community (SADC), African Union (AU), European Union (EU), United Kingdom (UK), United States (US), South Africa, and UNDP, to stand up for Banda and his family and to keep them in their prayers.
In response, State House Chief Communications Specialist, Clayson Hamasaka, stated that Lungu’s comments were prejudicial, as the matter was in court.
“I have personally lodged a complaint with law enforcement agencies on this matter because I have NEVER met JJ Banda in my life. I challenge our former President to ask JJ Banda if he has EVER met me,” Hamasaka said.
Hamasaka expressed disappointment that Lungu was commenting on issues based on rumors and falsehoods and called on him to stop inciting hooliganism against him and his family.
He stated that President Hichilema had no involvement in matters under law enforcement and the judiciary and reminded Lungu that he no longer enjoys immunity for actions committed outside State House.
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