Former Republican President Rupiah Banda this morning was arrested and later released on police bond.
Mr. Banda, who appeared before a combined team of government investigation wings, has been charged with abuse of authority of office contrary to section 99 of the penal code sub 87 of the laws of Zambia.
He was released on bond after producing two working sureties, who are MMD vice president for administration Brian Chituwo and his administrative assistance Mikatazo Wakumelo.
The former head of state has also paid KR 500, 000 in his own recognisance and will appear in the magistrate court tomorrow morning.
Speaking after his release, his lawyer Sakwiba Sikota said it is still very clear that the investigations team does not know why they are interrogating his client.
The former head of state Rupiah Banda said he is ready to go through the entire process because he is a law abiding citizen.
And confirming the arrest and release of the former head of state, investigations team spokesperson Namukolo Kasumpa confirmed that Mr. Banda has also surrendered his passport.
Mrs. Kasumpa said interrogations will continue on Thursday, 4th April, 2012.
Arrested and later released ? I bet they were just following routine.He was just arrested in a literal sense.I hope for a speedy and fair trial for the old-man.
I think the Zambian government certainly the Police and related institutes are inconsistent, unreliable and untrustworthy. Either way this has more drama riddled to it than any serious repercussions. Terrible reading and the government should be ashamed for being all over the place
Thanks
I will follow the court proceedings with keen interest so that I can make my own informed and intelligent conclusion.
This action by govt is for the good of the country and the sustainability of our young and dynamic democracy. it sets a great precedent to develop the country.
Immunity is not a right. immunity is not a blank cheque to steal.
Thy shall not abuse thy authority and thy immunity…. amen!!
Thursday, 4th April, 2012. That is why RB will not be found guilty, ati Thursday, 4th April, 2012. And not Thursday, 4th April, 2013? backwards.
@SiSi If our Judicial system was fair and uncompromised, I would have agreed with the position that Sisi the self appointed PF cadre has taken here. But the fact is that our Judiciary is far from being fair and is strongly controlled by Sata and PF. Mumembe and Nchito have stolen Millions of Dollars from the Zambian people and Satan has said nothing about it. Instead he is now trying to persecute the people that wanted to bring the aforementioned culprits to book. Banda refused to participate in the corruption involving Mumembe and Nchito and this is why he is suffering today. Don’t get me wrong, Banda is not exactly squicky clean either, but he is a better devil than Satan (No Pun). Good luck Zambia…. You are on a wrong path!!!
@The Bricklayer – 24 months ago you chaps were happy with the same Judiciary under the MMD today you are squealing and mourning about it being unfair…
Mr Brick layer, where is your spirit level????? Weather the President is what ever, if RB did something wrong let him prove he never did, or if he did let him confess he did something wrong.
I see no reason to even go to an extent of calling the President names on clear matters. Actually the Judicially is more independent than it used to be, see Judge from Malawi upto now what he came for has not taken shape yet.
@MY ZAMBIA you go to the LT archives of 2009/2010 you will find these shameless chaps The bricklayer et al…
@Mushota I think you know how much I love this rich continent of ours called Africa, as opposed to your economically embattled Europe, but perhaps the only reason I could love to live there with you is the respect that most govts have for the RULE OF LAW. Here it is something else, and am sure you know what I call it …
Please tell us facts, “he was released on police bond and he has paid KR 500” this is not true only bail is payable at court.Am sure that money has not been paid and can only be paid when he’s guilt of court contempt(absent from proceedings without excuse). Learn to ask where you don’t know
For the first time Mushota you have commented objectively and am suprised. What has happened?
He is as guilty as sin. Please deport him afterwards, Thanks
now RB’s fate is in the hands of the courts of law, all those including Saki who kept on saying that JGIT was just fishing are they liers or they telling the truth.? coz what I know is that one can not be taken to court if theres nothing…when the courts conclude then we will know the truth…remember should PF chaps also do what mmd did to poor zambians they will also face the wrath of the law…stay blessed
Deport means “to expel (A FOREIGNER) from a country, typically on the grounds of illegal status or for having committed a crime.”
RB is Zambian so where do you suggest we deport him to??
So much irrational thinking among us Zambians. It’s ridiculous.
To where, UK?
Mushota is trying to say deport him to Zimbabwe, since he was born there.
Dull PhD holder Mushota who cannot who uses English words as Zambian local language. tell us where RB comes from so that he may deported there.
@ mushota finally you have come to terms with people and i hope the ALINGAZI taught you good morals and not to brag when you are nothing.
@Mushota, are you asking for RB to be deported to the UK? Want some of his “loot”? Now, I call that INNOVATION coz RB certainly is more loaded than your Nick(er)!
About time they put the steel bracelets on this vile thieving chap Ala Bee.
I was taught to be a proud zambian but this is really embarrassing.
Mealie meal shortagea,the kwacha is loosing value every single d
But our government is channelling all their energy in proscuting each other.
Let’s build a better zambia for everyone.
Its business as usual my dear friend vile criminals are charged and put away everyday…
we can and we will if people like rb stop stealing from the govt treasury.
dora siliya is next.
I hope that this trial can be fast and be concluded without it going for ages like the Chiluba case
Lazo
Yaah cage the sugar dad.
Kekekekeke, the sugar Dad? Awee mwandini!
yes very good walemona kwati ka nevius naka hungry hyena kwati bakakulandilko.were is your stupid amsterdam.
It’s good that the Banda issue is progressing and it will give him a chance to defend himself. We hope the courts will be allowed to do their work professionally without influential pressure from any quarters.
Mr Banda will certainly not be the last to go through this. How clean is his successor on abuse of authority?
catch and release
ok
good for rb and his mmd.
let him clear his name now.
As callboys, we refused to be taken by bus to offer solidarity. So the organiser picked street kids. I hope they gave the children some lunch for being the hired crowd that it was.
This is another Zero Option and Black Mamba trial. The DPP will try to manufacture evidence and pay witnesses but the truth shall still prevail.
MR RB IS IN TROUBLE. LAST TIME CHILUBA GOT AWAY WITH CRIME. THEREFORE THE LAW ENFORCERS WILL THIS TIME MAKE SURE THAT THE GROUND IS SOLID.
ITS A LESSON FOR THOSE IN POWER TO BE CAREFUL.
Way to go, I think it will give RB to explain why we paid for fuel which never reached Zambian.
Chioneni Chisilu!
stop all this witch hunting and work towards developing the nation in a real sense. This buffoonery of revenge has to come to an end. P.S: Mr Sata you better pray you die in power because you will also be charged if you leave office alive, wasteman.
At last the man who ordered the killing of my people in Barotseland is finally arrested for abuse of office.Indeed he abused his authority by out of the scene by releasing Chiluba.Let him face the music.
Its time to celebrate in my Country Zambia. This is victory for us. I wish I was there.
”charged with abuse of authority of office contrary to section 99 of the penal code sub 87 of the laws of Zambia”….. now that matter is going to court let us see the actual crimes that RB committed.
Actus reus + mens rea + proof beyond reasonable test (Woolmington test) = crime. RB will escape conviction, I submit.
I hate where Zambia stands, there is a leadership vacuum that is being filled with makaka and thieves.
Paddy @ 4 You are right. Zambians wont eat the arrest of RB. Please PF govnt, show us that you can solve real problems. Meali meal shortage, shortage of drugs in hopspitals, staff e.g teachers, nurses especially in rural areas, poor roads, the list is endless. So why concentrate on RB. Remember MCS… should you finish your term of office, this will come to haunt you. Nakucenjezaniko cabe…….
@Angoni aku Chikando:
Achimwene, corruption in Zambia is REAL and it is a big PROBLEM too!
@Angoni Aku Chikando; To me it’s not really whether or not wrongdoing should be punishable, it obviously should. But I take issue with how the cases involving former Presidents over-shadow everything else in the country and are pursued with that extra vigour, which is nonexistent in any other service delivery or developmental matter.
Its good that Bashi mpundu has been arrested,at least its a relief to Zambians, Law knows no status. Its now time for him to clear his name. Immunity is not a visa to dip hands into the treasury. Some of us who truly saw how they painted the trees along Great East Road with the blue Chitenge materials will attest to this.
Let him face it!!
Iwe mungoni waku Chikando osa sapota sakalanyongo just because he is your tribesmate. Kawalala ni kawalala even Sata ngati azaba tizamufaka munjema
WILL THIS CASE YIELD ANY TANGIABLE RESULTS LEADING TO SUCCESSFUL CONVICTION OF RB? ITS LIKE THE JOB IS HALF DONE FROM MY POINT OF VIEW. WHY CONTINUE WITH INVESTIGATIONS ON THURSDAY 4TH APRIL 2013 AFTER EFFECTING AN ARREST. THOSE WHO WANT TO SEE TO IT THAT RB IS PUT BEHIND BARS ARE JUST WASTING TAX PAYERS MONEY. I CAN FORESEE ALOT OF DRAMA. EVERYTHING IS BEING DONE IN A HURRY. THE BENEFICERIES IN THIS CASE ARE THE CIVIL SERVANTS IN THE INVESTIGATION TEAM AND THE LAWYERS. MORE MONEY IN THEIR POCKETS. WHICH SANE [ERSON WILL EVER DREAM OF BECOMING A PRESIDENT IN ZAMBIA. WHEN IN POWER ITS ALL OVER SIR, BWANA PRESIDENT , BA KATEKA, HIS EXECCELENCE BUT LEAVE STATE HOUSE, NO RESPECT AT ALL. I WONDER IF OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN POLITICS ARE PRINCIPLED. THE WHOLE AFFAIR DEFEATS THE MEANING OF DEMOCRACY.
now lets watch the game bola ni 90min,lets not talk untill the game is over.i will talk after the game
Our politician must learn that politics are not there for people to steal.A serious example is what zambia needs over abuse of authority. It may not be RB. But its certainly overdue. I dont know what rupiah banda did but when you look at what the son in joburg says. When u hear what that white lawyer of banda says,u ask yourself why the talk with so much contempt to an elected govt.The poor zambia does not put people in power for nothing. The expect improvement in their lives through good leadership.here we are again trying a former president for abuse. Certainly public opinion is of the view that rupiah was corrupt.has this been the view of only the opposition. No.Magande was MMD.George Mpombo was MMD.Mulongoti was MMD.its dfficult to ignore all these allegations.let hear from the courts
@Fumbi:
Don’t forget HH (the “educated”) on that list too. Although he now seems to be the latest ‘convertee’/disciple of Ala Bee, he was, not too long ago, up in arms about Ala Bee’s corruption. So YES, it is not just the so called “PF Kaponyas” who thinks Ala Bee abused his powers and was corrupt to the bone!!!!!
The best defence is attack!
That noise has been noticed allover the world.
Is it not jailable for the Lawyer (Saki) to lead a client to lie on oath?
Fishing expedition all in the name of justice but wrapped in an undefineable amorphous mission and staffed by state pawns.
Let him defend himself
Wow – so he is close to being clapped in irons then, is he?
well about time. Let him defend himself now. Sakwiba, are you for real? How are you going to defend your client if you still maintain that investigative wings have no evidence…….? Do you really understand what is at stake here? Shame on you.
It is nosense to insinuate that criminals should b left alone and concertrate on developing the nation. Which development are u talking about u dull fellows?Can u develop in the real sense when u are surrounded by thieves? My vote is working.Thanks!
So who’s next? Sata after he leaves office?
Yes, if he is also stealing!!!
But I would guess Dora Siliya is going next after his former boss.
I think the question of immunity has been misunderstood in most African countries. Immunity was meant to protect former presidents from prosecution for acts or omissions done in the interest of the country while the said former presidents were in power. For example if a president nationalised private companies, in the belief that such an act served the best interests of the country,such a president was immune from prosecution even after vacating the office of president. I doubt very much if immunity was meant to protect former presidents from prosecution for looting state coffers while they were in power. It is a warning to all presidents to be careful with state resources.Your immunity can be and will be removed…..
Why is it that whenever we get reports that the president is ill, an opposition leader or former leader gets arrested and then released with no charge. The truth has it’s funny ways of exposing itself. Why is this government itching on arresting opposition leaders? They are running the country to the ground…morale in the country is at it’s lowest, no-wonder we got a below average performance from the national team against Lesotho. We have a leadership deficit in the country and some gangster are looking to capitalise on that. We shall show them no mercy when it’s their time.
It’s indeed good news to hear that finally that big thug has been charged. There more to come especially small fishes like Nerves and hh, watch this space.
It is me who has always maintained from the beginning that Sata and his amateurish investigation teams are fishing in the unfishable water. Furthermore, right from the outset before Banda’s immunity was lifted whilst every blogger was suggesting that it is impossible to lift the immunity, I advised everyone that implicit in the section which deals with the immunity issue, is the embedded clause about overriding state interests.
The state has no credible case against Banda unless if his attorney cannot crack the codes in which the state expresses its interests in this particular pending trial. The political motive is crucial for any senior experienced lawyer to call for an acquittal for his client. Like any arresting officers, Sata’s boys & girls are adhering to the common protocal and…
You have resurrected with your nonsense!
The compaign was clear.what of the abandoned vehicles, RB caps sweets chibuku cups’ETC.Don’t forget bicycles and lorries.
watch out and stay tuned,RB wapya baisa
Yes yes yes…let him go to court now and explain himself now. This is good. I am looking forward to the next step in this entire process.
I hope his buddies and his sons are watching closely what is happening and they will prepare themselves for the same fate.
Viva justice…viva!!!!!
Legally sieving through these recent developments, firstly, the arresting officers have a legislated onus of obeying lawful instructions or orders and, if the assigned officers decide to disregard the above, they risk facing internal disciplinary hearing which subsequently lead to loss of income, related benefits and employment. Granted this clear picture, the so-called investigators have to perform/effect the arrest based on the just said premise.
Applying the law itself, we have not heard any bruising robust legal arguments in which even chief prosecutors who will be trying this case can break down like a high school boys, thereby reducing themselvers from levels of real men. It is absolutely premature to support the state bent on attaining victory at whatever come what may.Bumpy & hard
Its so sickening to see political vendetta and revenge getting more prominence than public good in Zambia. That’s how some countries like Zambia keep going backwards and some others go ahead. Keep up the bad works, you sick people.
Ba Candice, fighting corruption is always a step forward, never backwards!!! In fact most developed countries got where they are today by first eliminating or reducing corruption by govt officials—go to Malaysia and try your corruption there, they will lynch you! France just the other day removed immunity on a former President so he can be prosecuted, and I don’t see France going backwards by doing so!!!
Sorry…meant to say Singapore instead of Malaysia! But I guess even in Malaysia corruption is not acceptable.
To avoid it from happening you should not dip your vile sticky fat fingers in GRZ’s cookie jar. You defending a **** before you have seen the evidence in court is what causes nausea or squeamishness.
It does not necessarily mean that if the Ministry of Safety & Security or the Dept. of Home Affairs as it is the case in Zambia will automatically secure a conviction at a High Court level or Supreme Court level. Every item which the state furnishes to any of the above courts has to be accounted for carefully and, it is not give and take like the way it is done at lower courts i.e. District Courts, Family Courts, Regional Courts and Maintenance Courts. The credibility of state witnesses is another disadvantage for prosecutors, personal interests of state witnesses lead witnesses to exihibiting all sorts of self-defeating falsehoods, the political motive held by the incumbent Sata and the proof of procedes of crime on the part of the accused. The state has a huge task ahead. See you .
mutandizeni mwana wanu James naimwe sure, ala bee asking Defence Minister Mpombo then, on an arms deal!!!!
so does it mean we let these things slide, the longer zambia goes exists as a nation without bringing people who whole public office to book, the larger the scale of unaccountability will grow and we wont know the difference between outright theft, and transactions made for the long term benefit of all zambians. what are we running? a country or a family kantemba where mbasela behaviour continues? if he is innocent then let the courts of law prove it. if not, no crying after robbing the cow.
Funny how it people say RB stole, if its stealing there seem not to have any proof. I guess the real speak is that the man was corrupt, and there my fellow Lusaka Times commenters is where this case goes nowhere very fast. As you know there is more than one party the corrupt act and unless PF has corruptors who RB was benefiting from they will find it impossible to prove corruption, that is why very few if any people especially leaders are ever convicted of corruption, because the process is underhand and the parties evolved all know that if they rat out one they all end up in jail.
Let the court cases begin!
ALL I NEED I TO FUFIL PROMISES AND JOB CREATION KWASILA NOT AL THZ DEBATES.
ts bout time…
It’s shameful. One ex head of state after another constantly before criminal courts of law! Can’t they keep their grubby hands out of the kit? Well, let him prove he didn’t steal.
Let RB exonerate himself in the court of law. If he stole let him be jailed so that others like Sata and PF must learn from that Zambians are not playing now with corrupt people. Let all corrupt people be jailed as no person regardless of status is above the law of Zambia.
Peace and Prosperity to Mother Zambia.
Death sentence if found guilty!!
This Rupiah was a very very pompous and very arrogant chap, him with his counsel/ veep George Kunda, they twisted the constitution so they could plunder like vile hungry pigs with impunity. Even after what ka Titus went through in the courts this Rupiah still could not resist the temptation to do the same and dip his vile grubby sticky fingers in the till. He thought he was going to have another term at our expense and get away with it lelo Ala Bee; Judgement day is near…
Uko…., sole william.
ba george ebapondo…he died just after losing the elections coz he knew what was up……sorry RB!
I was never a fun of marco polo during his world explorations tours during his term in office. In fact my dislike of him was exacerbated when he started siding with known fugitives. However lets give him credit where it’s due, he left a sound economy with progress on infrastructure development. He may have looted the coffers but entrepreneurs flourished in the country without police harassments. He is an old man but understands modern business concepts and conditions required to attract investment in the country. He has handed over the instruments of power without a fight and should be commended for that. Persecuting former leaders this way will just encourage them to hang on to power next time. Is this what we want after 27 years of UNIP?
We need to wise up. If he abused his authority in office, I don’t see why the government are in such a rush to arrest him. People are tired of dirty politics in the country, in-fact the way government is conducting itself makes him look like a saint. Zambia’s perception on the international scene improved tenfolds over the years but we risk relegating ourselves to the lowest and poorest league. It is very scarce to stumble upon a piece of good news from our papers these days. What do we gain from fighting amongst ourselves? Our country is seriously bleeding and all we seem to be doing is just cheer it on until it will finally collapse. Is this what we want surely?
viva RB we will always remember you as our fourth republican president. whoever is behind this move will pay at the end
‘I have watched particularly the chaos in my own state of Anambra where a small clique of renegades, openly boasting its connections in high places, seems determined to turn my homeland into a bankrupt and lawless fiefdom. I am appalled by the brazenness of this clique and the silence, if not connivance, of the Presidency.’
Chinua Achebe
Bwezani thought he was clever when he forced parliament to pass the Anti Corruption bill that removed the offence of abuse of office from the 1996 Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) Act. Well, we reinstated it, had his immunity stripped and here he is today dancing “fwemba” before the courts of law. I always wondered why Nigeria had to be the first of his destinations after he assumed power, now we know why. This time we must throw this thief into jail, let him finish the remaining part of his corrupt and stinking life behind bars. I hope some top tog marries him in jail to teach him one hell of a homo lesson!
good. He is thief. This is been long over due.
RB’s children where are you? Come back home and offer to be arrested for your father’s sins (which YOU made him commit)… After using & abusing him to the bone, RB’s children are being inconsiderate to their father ( or is it me who’s confused?
Jay Kay @33.2, why is it so difficult for Zambians to understand the simple logic that yoyu put across? Could you please, repost your observations may be a thiousand times so that may be, just may be, it will sink into the think skulls of some bloggers here who only seem to think anything said about RB and and his thieving associates is persecution!!
The gvt case is so weak that this is joke. All those guys who have been arrested from the guy who buried cash to the bicycle man, has anybody really been convicted? Look what the late Mwanawansa did, he layed the case against Chiluba in simple but very factual way before requesting that his immunity be lifted. Only Mulongoti and the pp party will halt this arresting of ex presidents for personal gratification.
If all this was happening to Sata it would be like a million times more interesting,more enthralling and more meaningful.Can’t wait for 2016.
I has said it on this website that one day Rupiah will surrenders the passport to the law enforcement and indeed this has come to pass.
Next is trial in court and conviction then will be sent to CHIMBOKAILA Prison where he will be tending cabbage plants.
He should get some briefing from Richard Sakala a former convict of that prison.
All it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing
THERE IS NO NEED TO SURPORT THIS MAN. IT WAS ALL CLEAR HE WAS CARELESS AND SHORT OF BRAINS. UYU NGA APUSUKA, NINSHI PAPWA.NO GOING FOWARD.
he should be arrested also for tax invasion on campaining materials.such tracks,vitanjes,bicycles,………..
Punka you are stupid don’t support useless PF to mistreat the president of Africa.