Archbishop Alick Banda of the Archdiocese of Lusaka, Zambia, has been released from Chimbokaila Correctional Facility after fulfilling bail conditions imposed by the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court.
Banda spent a night in custody after he was unable to complete the bail process before the end of the court’s working hours. He had been granted bail of 80,000 Zambian kwacha, equivalent to about $4,094, on September 28.
The archbishop was arrested by Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and charged with possession of property suspected to have been unlawfully obtained, an offence under Section 319 of the Penal Code.
The case centres on a blue Toyota Hilux, registration number ALF 7734, which investigators allege was in Banda’s possession between April 22, 2021, and December 27, 2023.
According to the prosecution, the vehicle was allegedly obtained unlawfully from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).
The DEC has linked the vehicle to a broader investigation into about 22 ZRA motor vehicles that investigators allege were improperly disposed of.
Banda appeared before Magistrate Mwandu Nakazwe and denied the charge.
Under the bail terms, he was released on his own recognisance, meaning he was not required to make an upfront cash payment. The court, however, required three working sureties, each bound to a sum of 50,000 Zambian kwacha, approximately $2,560, should the accused fail to comply with the court’s requirements.
The court also ordered Banda to surrender his travel documents as part of the conditions for his release.
The archbishop will now remain out of custody as the case proceeds through the courts.
The allegations against Banda have not been proved, and his plea of not guilty means the prosecution must establish its case through the judicial process.
His arrest has attracted public attention in Zambia, prompting appeals for restraint as the matter is handled by the courts.
The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops has expressed solidarity with Banda following his appearance before the DEC, while calling for fairness, dignity and respect for due process.
In a statement issued on September 28, the bishops also urged Catholics and other well-wishers to offer spiritual support to the archbishop as he faces the proceedings.
The bishops said they continued to recognise Banda’s pastoral service and his contribution to the Catholic Church and the wider Zambian community.
They stressed that the legal proceedings should be conducted fairly and without prejudice or intimidation.
“We therefore call upon all concerned to ensure that these principles are upheld without prejudice or intimidation,” the bishops said.
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