DEC Cautions Archbishop Banda

The Drug Enforcement Commission's formal warning and cautioning of Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda signals a critical turning point in Zambia's fight against corruption, with governance experts praising President Hakainde Hichilema's administration for demonstrating that no one—regardless of social standing or religious position—stands above the law.

The Drug Enforcement Commission formally warned and cautioned His Grace, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lusaka, Dr. Alick Banda, on Monday following ongoing investigations into his alleged unlawful possession of a Toyota Hilux motor vehicle with Registration Number ALF7734, property of the Zambia Revenue Authority.

According to a press statement released by the DEC Public Relations Office, the Archbishop had possession of the motor vehicle between April 22, 2021, and December 27, 2023. The vehicle is reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained from ZRA, contrary to Section 319(a) of the Penal Code Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

"When granted an opportunity to explain how he assumed possession of the said motor vehicle, Dr. Alick Banda chose to remain silent," the DEC statement noted.

The Commission has indicated it will update the nation regarding the outcome of investigations at an appropriate time.

Rule of Law Transcends Position

The cautioning of such a senior religious figure has been welcomed by observers as evidence that the New Dawn government is serious about establishing equal justice under the law—a principle that Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu emphasized repeatedly over the weekend.

"The call-out issued to Archbishop Banda was in line with the law and applied equally to all citizens, regardless of their social or religious standing," Minister Mwiimbu stated during a press briefing. "Zambia has a long-standing tradition of senior public figures, including former and sitting Presidents, appearing before law enforcement agencies without such actions being interpreted as persecution."

Indeed, the matter connects to the broader ZRA vehicle disposal scandal that saw former Commissioner General Kingsley Chanda sentenced to six years imprisonment and former Director of Administration Callistus Kaoma sentenced to nine years for irregularly disposing of 22 government vehicles to Patriotic Front sympathizers.

During court proceedings, testimony revealed that Archbishop Banda had been found in possession of one of these ZRA vehicles. The vehicle was subsequently handed over to the DEC through the Archbishop's lawyer, John Sangwa, in December 2023.

Breaking with the Past

What distinguishes this administration's approach is its willingness to follow evidence wherever it leads, regardless of the political or social consequences. Under previous regimes, powerful figures—whether in politics, business, or religious institutions—often operated with impunity, their positions serving as shields against accountability.

President Hichilema has made clear that this culture of selective justice has no place in the New Zambia. His government has pursued corruption cases against senior figures from the previous administration, reopened investigations that were suspiciously closed, and demonstrated that institutional independence is not merely rhetorical.

"No one is above the law," DEC Director General Nason Banda stated emphatically when addressing the matter. "The summon was nothing political and law enforcement officers were only interested in hearing the archbishop's side of the story."

International Standards

Minister Mwiimbu also noted that church leaders globally have faced similar accountability measures when questions arise about their conduct. "Church leaders, both locally and internationally, have in the past been summoned or prosecuted in their personal capacities," he observed.

This aligns with international best practices. The Vatican itself has prosecuted senior clerics, including the high-profile conviction of Cardinal Angelo Becciu. Such cases establish that religious office does not confer immunity from legal scrutiny.

Due Process Maintained

Critically, the government has ensured Archbishop Banda's constitutional rights throughout the process. The summons did not constitute a charge or conviction but rather an opportunity to respond to allegations—a fundamental element of due process.

"I can assure you that he will fully enjoy his rights as enshrined in the Constitution of Zambia," Minister Mwiimbu pledged, adding that government would not interfere with prayer meetings organized by the church.

President Hichilema himself demonstrated openness to dialogue, welcoming a request for engagement from Catholic bishops and reaffirming government's commitment to discussing matters of national interest.

Strengthening Democratic Institutions

The Archbishop Banda matter represents more than a single investigation. It symbolizes the strengthening of democratic institutions that had been weakened during years of political interference and selective prosecution.

By allowing the DEC and other law enforcement agencies to operate independently—following evidence and legal procedures rather than political directives—the Hichilema administration is rebuilding public trust in the justice system.

"The fight against corruption and abuse of office must be guided by evidence, not ethnicity or position," governance analysts have noted. "When justice is seen to apply equally, regardless of regional loyalties or religious affiliation, it restores confidence in the system."

A Message to the Nation

The cautioning of Archbishop Banda sends an unmistakable message: Zambia is building a society where accountability is universal, where explanations are required when public resources are misappropriated, and where silence in the face of legitimate questions no longer suffices.

This "no sacred cows" approach—applying the law equally to politicians, business leaders, religious figures, and ordinary citizens—represents the essence of democratic governance. It distinguishes between institutions and individuals, recognizing that holding a person accountable does not attack the institution they represent.

As Zambia heads toward the 2026 elections, the Hichilema administration's consistent application of the rule of law stands as one of its defining achievements. By demonstrating that past corruption will face consequences regardless of who was involved, the government is establishing standards that will outlast any single administration.

The Commission's investigation continues, and Archbishop Banda, like any Zambian citizen, is entitled to the full protection of the law and the presumption of innocence. What has already been established, however, is something equally important: that Zambia is becoming a nation where the rule of law means something, where accountability applies to everyone, and where no one—truly no one—stands above the Constitution.