By 
Fugitive Petauke Central lawmaker, Emmanuel Banda, has been apprehended in Harare, Zimbabwe, where he had been renting an apartment since his escape from lawful custody at Chipata Prison in Eastern Province, authorities have said.
Banda, who was reported to have escaped from lawful custody in August this year 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.
Banda’s wife Lombe Chali, was later arrested and charged with aiding a prisoner to escape with the Police assuring the public that no stone would be left unturned as they work to ensure justice is served.
Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu confirmed the apprehension of Banda during a media briefing in Lusaka on Tuesday, held at the Ministry Headquarters following social media reports of his apprehension.
“Emmanuel Jay Jay Banda was renting a flat in Harare and did not give himself up willingly during his arrest by the Zimbabwean law enforcement agencies,” Mwiimbu said.
The Minister accused the opposition Patriotic Front (PF) of knowing the whereabouts of Banda and were allegedly communicating with him during the time of his disappearance which can be seen from the several statements which had been made.
Mwiimbu said the PF members that include former president Edgar Lungu had made statements accusing government’s involvement in his disappearance and suggesting that they knew about Banda’s whereabouts.
“Now that he has been captured, Emmanuel Banda will now tell us the truth about how he escaped from custody. We learnt of Emmanuel Jay Jay Banda’s whereabouts two weeks ago and discovered that he was enjoying good health,” he stated.
Mwiimbu said the Zambian authorities were collaborating very well with their Zimbabwean counterparts, saying Banda was apprehended by security officials from that country.
He indicated that the Zambian government was putting up measures to ensure Banda’s return to Zambia had no security lapses.
“The government wants to know who facilitated his escape, who has been facilitating his wife’s visit to Harare to those flats now that he has been captured,” Mwiimbu said.
Read More: Cracks emerge in UKA, as New Era Democratic Party membership frozen, officers appointed
In May 2024, Banda was reported missing and his vehicle found abandoned with shattered windshield and a note apologising to Zambians.
In September 2024, Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Mwiimbu denied government involvement in the matter and escape, however urged him to surrender on his own after the opposition accused the government on his disappearance.
Following his escape, the Zambia Police placed a K2 million bounty on Banda, who had escaped from lawful custody while receiving treatment at Chipata General Hospital in Eastern Province.
Banda now faces an additional charge of escaping from lawful custody, according to Minister Mwiimbu.
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.
Comments