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Petauke Central lawmaker, Emmanuel Banda, has reportedly escaped from lawful custody.
Banda is facing aggravated robbery charges and was being held by Zambia Correctional Service awaiting court appearance as he had been committed to the high court.
Addressing a media briefing in Lusaka on Monday, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu, said Banda escaped from lawful custody around 22:00 hours in Chipata.
Mwiimbu highlighted that the offence of aggravated robbery was non bailable and this had resulted in Banda being held at the correctional facility.
“On August 1, 2924, Jay Jay Banda was taken to Chipata General Hospital for medical attention as he has a history of suffering from henia and was attended to and a minor Operation was conducted on him,” he said.
Mwiimbu stated that while in hospital, Banda was advised to go on salt therapy by sitting in salty water in the morning and evening to quicken the healing of the operation.
“Yesterday at 18 hours, one of his wives Lombe asked for privacy as he wanted to answer the call of nature.
The security officers gave them privacy and when they were called back, Mr Banda was not in the room,” he said.
Mwiimbu stated that investigations had revealed that Banda escaped from lawful custody through the hospital window.
The Minister indicated that the investigations were on going and a manhunt had since been launched for Banda
“It is sad that a former president on his Facebook page yesterday made malicious accusations against President Hakainde Hichilema that he shall be held accountable in case Jay Banda dies,” Mwiimbu said.
He stated the former president said Banda was in chains, but how could he escape from lawful custody if he was in chains.
Mwiimbu said that it was unfortunate that the former president was inciting the public to rise against President Hakainde Hichilema.
“There are images circulating on social media indicating that Jay Banda’s leg was amputated. The Patriotic Front is driving a narrative over Jay Banda’s case to implicate the Government,” he stated
Mwiimbu insisted that Banda had never been chained or treated in unhumanly at any given time and overnment had nothing against him but it was the law taking its course concerning his supposed criminal behavior.
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