By SIMON MUNTEMBA
I WOULD rather remain silent than responding to allegations that I am wanted by the police for aggravated robbery charges which never happened, says Patriotic Front Eastern Province youth chairperson, Emmanuel Banda.
And the police said they were reluctant to comment on the alleged manhunt for Mr Banda for what transpired at Lusaka Central Police because that would jeopardise investigations.
Mr Banda expressed ignorance of the alleged aggravated robbery charges against him.
He was reacting to report that he was wanted by the police for having mobilised armed PF cadres and stormed Lusaka Central Police where they beat up some officers on duty.
It is alleged that after assault on officers, Mr Banda got away with some money belonging to one of the officers.
In an interview, Mr Banda said the report was unsubstantiated rumours.
“As far as we are concerned the Police have not issued any statements prior to that, so those are just rumours. But I will advise before the day ends. I will call you before the end of the day don’t worry,” MrBanda said.
Earlier, Mr Banda posted on his Facebook page that: “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt. Have a blessed day.”
And when contacted to confirm, police public relations officer Esther Katongo said the police were reluctant to give more information because that would jeopardise investigations.
Ms Katongo, however, said that more people would be arrested over what transpired at Lusaka Police division.
“On the matter involving what transpired at Lusaka division, we have deliberately remained quiet as more people have to be arrested. The last time I spoke to him on the same, he was hesitant to give information,” Ms Katongo said.
It is reported that in the case of mistaken identity, the C5 anti-robbery squad in Lusaka recently shot and killed Mr Banda’s nephew, William Tembo popularly known as “King Kiki.”
