State seeks more time in Archbishop Banda's 'theft' case

By CHIKUMBI KATEBE THE trial of Lusaka Archbishop Dr Alick Banda, who is facing a charge of possessing property suspected to be proceeds of crime, has been adjourned to allow the State to respond to an application filed by the defence. Archbishop Banda appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Mwandu Sakala for commencement of trial, but the State applied for an adjournment, citing the absence of the lead prosecution team, which was attending to another matter in Solwezi. Deputy Chief State Advocate Mercy Lungu and Senior State Advocate Sophiriano Phiri represented the State, while John Sangwa SC appeared for the defence. Ms Lungu told the court that the State had filed a notice of motion for adjournment on October 29, 2026, which was served on the defence the following day. She explained that the prosecution team handling the matter had received an unexpected hearing notice in another case before the Solwezi High Court, making it impossible for them to attend the Lusaka proceedings. Ms Lungu said the Solwezi hearing had been scheduled after dates in the Archbishop Banda matter had already been fixed. The State proposed November 6 or any date between November 9 and 13, 2026, for the next hearing. However, Mr Sangwa said the defence had no objection to the adjournment, explaining that his clients had filed a motion on October 27, 2026, which was served on the prosecution the same day, but the State had not yet responded. He said the defence was agreeable to the adjournment to give the prosecution an opportunity to respond to the application and allow the defence to reply, if necessary. The court confirmed receipt of the relevant documents and granted the adjournment in the interest of justice to allow the State to respond to the defence motion. Archbishop Banda is charged with possession of property reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained, contrary to Section 319 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia. The particulars of the offence allege that between April 22, 2021 and December 27, 2023, he possessed a blue Toyota Hilux, registration number ALF 7734, reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). The vehicle is among 22 ZRA motor vehicles under investigation over their alleged irregular disposal. Archbishop Banda has denied the charge.

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