Zambian MP Emmanuel Banda Arrested for Robbery in Zimbabwe

Fri Mar 14 2025 15:20:00 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)
Zambian MP Emmanuel Banda Arrested for Robbery in Zimbabwe

Zambian authorities confirm the capture of Emmanuel Banda, a fugitive MP, in Harare after he allegedly escaped custody.


The arrest raises concerns about political motivations behind the charges against Banda, who challenges the Zambian government's narrative.



A fugitive Zambian lawmaker, Emmanuel "Jay Jay" Banda, has been arrested in Zimbabwe after a long search by authorities back home. Banda, who had a bounty of 2 million Zambian kwacha (approximately $72,000 or £57,000) on his head, is facing charges of aggravated robbery. He reportedly escaped police custody in August while being treated at Chipata Central Hospital, where he was under guard.

In a press conference, Zambian Minister for Home Affairs Jack Mwiimbu announced that Banda was apprehended in Harare. The minister revealed that the MP was found in a rental flat and will remain in Zimbabwe pending extradition procedures. The Zambian government is eager to investigate the circumstances of Banda's escape and any potential collaborators, including his wife's visits to Zimbabwe.

The situation has led to condemnation from the opposition Patriotic Front (PF), led by former President Edgar Lungu, who labeled the outcome as alarming. PF spokesman Emmanuel Mwamba expressed concerns about the legality of Banda's arrest and urged the Zambian government to adhere to proper international extradition protocols. He described the incident as "an abduction" rather than a lawful arrest, provoking fears of political persecution against those affiliated with the former regime.

Meanwhile, Banda's previous claims of abduction and the politically charged circumstances surrounding his arrest have stirred public debate. Previously reported missing in May, Banda indicated he was abducted but later went on to be charged with robbery offenses dating back to 2015, raising suspicions among political analysts and observers.

In light of these allegations, critics argue the charges have been politically motivated in an attempt to silence Banda, a close ally of Lungu's government. As such, the political landscape in Zambia remains tumultuous, highlighting ongoing tensions and the use of the justice system as a tool against dissenting voices in the country.

MORE ON THEME

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 13:04:33 GMT

Russian Ex-Commander Convicted of War Crimes in Finland

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 13:04:33 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 12:29:43 GMT

Former Philippine Leader Duterte Arrested, Sparkling Mixed Reactions

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 12:29:43 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:16:22 GMT

British Tourist Dies in Hit-and-Run Involving Kenyan Presidential Convoy

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:16:22 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 01:37:51 GMT

Duterte's Historic Arrest: A New Chapter for the ICC

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 01:37:51 GMT
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:23:03 GMT

India Detains Crypto Exchange Administrator Tied to U.S. Sanctions Violations

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:23:03 GMT
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:02:28 GMT

India Detains Crypto Exchange Administrator Connected to US Money Laundering Case

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:02:28 GMT
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 07:12:34 GMT

Duterte's ICC Arrival Marks Milestone for Justice System

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 07:12:34 GMT
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 01:51:31 GMT

Zimbabwe's Succession Crisis Deepens as Internal Strife Brews Within Zanu-PF

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 01:51:31 GMT
Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:59:52 GMT

Duterte Arrives in The Hague After Arrest Over Deadly Drug War

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:59:52 GMT
Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:39:40 GMT

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Faces International Justice

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:39:40 GMT
Wed, 12 Mar 2025 13:34:27 GMT

**Duterte Departures: Ex-President Faces ICC Over Drug War Atrocities**

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 13:34:27 GMT
Tue, 11 Mar 2025 20:28:29 GMT

Rodrigo Duterte's Arrest: A Milestone for Human Rights Justice

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 20:28:29 GMT
Tue, 11 Mar 2025 18:12:58 GMT

**Investigation Underway After North Sea Collision Leaves One Missing and Man Arrested for Manslaughter**

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 18:12:58 GMT
Tue, 11 Mar 2025 07:08:52 GMT

**Duterte Arrested in Philippines Over ICC Drug War Warrant**

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 07:08:52 GMT
Tue, 11 Mar 2025 03:53:09 GMT

Rodrigo Duterte Arrested in Manila Following I.C.C. Warrant

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 03:53:09 GMT
Mon, 10 Mar 2025 11:46:56 GMT

Vanuatu Cancels Citizenship of Indian Fugitive Cricket Tycoon Lalit Modi

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 11:46:56 GMT
Sun, 09 Mar 2025 19:50:08 GMT

DR Congo's $5 Million Bounty on Rebel Leaders Amid Ongoing Conflict

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 19:50:08 GMT
Sun, 09 Mar 2025 04:09:36 GMT

Yoon Suk Yeol's Release: A Divided Nation Reacts

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 04:09:36 GMT
Sat, 08 Mar 2025 19:01:46 GMT

Two Women Gang-Raped Near UNESCO Site in India, Investigation Underway

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 19:01:46 GMT
Sat, 08 Mar 2025 06:50:51 GMT

Russian Spy Network Operates from the UK: Revelations of Political Espionage**

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 06:50:51 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.