Basillioh Rukanga
BBC News
Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda, a Zambian lawmaker facing robbery charges, has been arrested in Zimbabwe after being on the run for several months. Banda, who had escaped custody in August 2023, was apprehended earlier this week in Harare.
Banda, who was facing charges related to aggravated robbery, allegedly escaped from Chipata Central Hospital, where he was being held under police guard. He had been admitted to the hospital following his arrest, but managed to flee through a window. In response, Zambian authorities issued a bounty of 2 million Zambian Kwacha (approximately $72,000) for his capture.
At the time of his escape, Banda was awaiting court appearances for the robbery charge, which stems from a 2015 incident involving the theft of property valued at 12,000 Kwacha ($430). Banda has denied the robbery allegations, claiming that the charges are politically motivated.
The Zambian Minister for Home Affairs, Jack Mwiimbu, confirmed Banda’s arrest, stating that he was found at a flat in Harare where he had been renting. Mwiimbu expressed gratitude to the Zimbabwean authorities for their cooperation and confirmed that Banda would be held in Zimbabwe pending extradition proceedings.
Banda, an independent Member of Parliament since 2021, was previously associated with former Zambian President Edgar Lungu, leader of the Patriotic Front (PF). His arrest has sparked political controversy, with opposition figures, including PF spokesperson Emmanuel Mwamba, condemning the process as an “abduction” and questioning the legality of the extradition.
Mwiimbu dismissed these claims, stating that the charges were unrelated to Banda’s political affiliations and had existed long before he became a member of parliament. He added that the Zambian government expected Banda to respect the country’s justice system.
Banda’s legal troubles have also been compounded by his alleged escape from lawful custody. According to reports, he claimed to have been abducted earlier in 2023, an incident that sparked further political tension. His reappearance after the alleged abduction was followed by his arrest on the robbery charges.
Zimbabwean police, in cooperation with Interpol, confirmed Banda’s detention and have begun the process of handling his extradition to Zambia. Further updates on the legal proceedings are expected once the necessary documents are transmitted between the two countries.