Fugitive Matero school headteacher accused of stealing K713,600 arrested in Mbala District on return from Uganda

Police have apprehended fugitive Matero Secondary School Headteacher, Reverend Elifas Banda, in Mbala District, Northern Province, after nearly a month on the run.

Banda, 35, who also serves as a Reverend at the Reformed Church of Zambia, is accused of stealing K713,600 in cash.

The money was intended for payments to the Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) for General Certificate of Education (GCE) candidates.

Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed Banda’s arrest in a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, revealing that the suspect was intercepted at Zombe Border Post on April 3, 2025, as he re-entered Zambia from Uganda.

He is currently in police custody in Mbala.

Read More: Matero boys teacher, cleric on the run over K700,000 examination fees theft

The theft was reported by Given Munkanshi, 48, Deputy Headteacher at Matero Secondary School, on behalf of the institution.

Additionally, a Samsung cellphone worth K4,000 was also reported stolen.

Hamoonga stated that arrangements were underway to dispatch officers from Matero Police Station to facilitate Banda’s transfer to Lusaka, where the case was initially reported and is under investigation.

“The Zambia Police Service reiterates its commitment to ensuring that justice is served in this matter,” he said.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.