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The Ministry of Information and Media, alongside the Ministry of Home Affairs, has accused Emmanuel Jay Banda, Member of Parliament for Petauke Central, of attempting to negotiate with the state to drop charges in exchange for revealing details about his recent abduction claim.
The accusation follows the circulation of an audio recording purportedly capturing discussions between permanent secretaries from both ministries and Banda.
During a press briefing in Lusaka on Tuesday, Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Thabo Kawana, disclosed that their meeting with Ministry of Home Affairs Permanent Secretary, Dickson Matembo, was initiated after Banda himself contacted them.
“Banda proposed a plea bargain where, in exchange for disclosing the truth behind the alleged ‘abduction,’ we would enter into an MoU with his sister, a lawyer named Lenny, and another attorney of his choice,” Kawana stated.
Read More: Govt denies alleged involvement in disappearance of lawmaker, Jay Banda
However, Kawana emphasized that Banda had no authority to negotiate and must truthfully disclose the events surrounding his alleged abduction.
“Our interaction with him was conducted in good faith,” he underscored.
Meanwhile, Matembo expressed concern over allegations that Banda might be manipulated.
“We are concerned about how his family allowed him to be exploited in this manner,” Matembo added.
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