Police say it is detaining lawmaker Banda over a 2015 incident of attempted murder, robbery

The police have now offered reason for the arrest of Member of Parliament for Petauke, Emmanuel Jay Banda. It said that the lawmaker had been arrested over suspected aggravated robbery and attempted murder.

Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga, said the alleged crimes were committed on December 14, 2015, at Mzigawa Primary School in Vubwi District of Eastern Province.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, Hamoonga said the incident involved the theft of property valued at K12,000, which included a Canon Camera valued at K10,000, spectacles valued at K1,800, two ATM cards and cash amounting to K200.

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Hamoonga identified the victim of suspected crime as Peter Muchelenga.

“Banda has been remanded in custody at Chipata Central Police Station. He is scheduled to appear in court soon to face these charges,” he said.

Hamoonga added that the police would ensure that justice was served, regardless of the status or position of the individuals involved.

“We urge the public to remain calm and allow the judicial process to take its course,” he said.

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