Police Conduct Wins Kudo



CPRA commends Zambia Police for professionalism during Archbishop Banda’s DEC questioning

By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, Zambia24 — (January 6, 2026)
The Centre for Peace Research and Advocacy (CPRA) has praised the Zambia Police Service for its professional and lawful handling of Archbishop of Lusaka, Dr. Alick Banda, during his questioning by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC).

CPRA Executive Director Cliffton Chifuwe said in a statement that officers managed the crowd accompanying the Archbishop in a respectful and lawful manner, demonstrating adherence to human rights and constitutional principles. 

“Police officers exercised restraint and allowed supporters to assemble peacefully, reflecting democratic policing and adherence to international best practices,” Chifuwe said.

Dr. Banda appeared before the DEC over allegations that he received a motor vehicle allegedly illegally procured by an employee of the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). 

CPRA emphasized that the appearance represents a standard legal process and reaffirmed that the law applies equally to all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation, public position, or social status.

The organisation noted that the police response marked a positive departure from similar situations in the past, particularly during the Patriotic Front (PF) administration, when crowd management often escalated tensions. 

While two supporters were reportedly arrested, CPRA confirmed the arrests were conducted lawfully and without brutality.

 “This demonstrates growing public confidence in law enforcement institutions,” Chifuwe said.

CPRA urged the Zambia Police Service to maintain professionalism and impartiality, especially as the country approaches the campaign period.

The organisation stressed that strict adherence to the law is critical to ensuring peaceful and credible elections.

The organisation also called on the Catholic Church and political actors to avoid portraying lawful state actions as attacks on religious institutions. 

Chifuwe encouraged dialogue that promotes peace while respecting the Church’s role in providing checks and balances to the state.

CPRA commended Dr. Banda’s supporters for remaining peaceful, noting that no incidents of violence or destruction of public property were reported. 

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, democracy, constitutionalism, and respect for the rule of law in Zambia.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Brother, A Leader, A Lesson

Image
 Bishop Mwamba’s Tribute to Lungu Lusaka, Zambia24, Thursday, June 5, 2025 – United National Independence Party (UNIP) President Bishop Trevor Mwamba has paid tribute to the late Sixth Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, describing him as a man of the people, a personal friend, and a national figure whose life and leadership offer Zambia both memory and lesson. In a statement delivered Thursday, Bishop Mwamba extended condolences to the Lungu family, the Patriotic Front, and the entire nation, while encouraging citizens to reflect not only on the man Lungu was, but on the legacy he leaves behind. “I, Bishop Trevor Mwamba, extend my sincere sympathies to the Lungu family, the Patriotic Front, and the Zambian people on the passing of His Excellency Edgar Chagwa Lungu,” he said.  “As President of UNIP, I also convey our party’s deep condolences at this moment of national loss.” Recalling Lungu as his former classmate, Mwamba spoke warmly of the former president’s personal qualities—h...
Read more

Bishops Decry DEC Summons

Image
ZCCB Warns Against Using State Institutions to Silence Church Leaders By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (3-01-2026) - The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has condemned in the strongest terms the Drug Enforcement Commission’s (DEC) summons of Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda, describing it as a brazen attempt to intimidate the Church and silence its voice on governance. ZCCB President Archbishop Ignatius Chama said in a statement that the Bishops stand in unwavering solidarity with Archbishop Banda, who is scheduled to appear before the Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit of the DEC on 5 January 2026.  The summons, delivered on 31 December 2025, comes amid a wave of public attacks and derogatory remarks against the Archbishop. The Bishops labelled the DEC action as unmistakably state-sponsored harassment, designed to punish Archbishop Banda for speaking truth to power and holding the government accountable.  Bishop Chama warned that weaponizing state institut...
Read more

Breaking Silence, Saving Lives

Image
Journalists Join Safe Motherhood Fight and are challenging taboos to protect women’s health. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 — (20-05-2025) - The Ministry of Health convened a critical media orientation in Lusaka to commemorate Safe Motherhood Week and the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, emphasizing renewed efforts to improve maternal health outcomes across Zambia. The event brought together media professionals, health experts, and key stakeholders to amplify messages on safe maternal health services and the urgent need to end obstetric fistula. In his keynote address, Dr. Aspha S. Choonga stressed the pivotal role of the media in advocating for women’s rights to safe, dignified, and respectful maternal health care. “Your presence here today is not just appreciated—it is vital,” Dr. Choonga said, urging media practitioners to break taboos and inform the public on these critical issues. He outlined the four pillars of Safe Motherhood: family planning, antenatal care, c...
Read more