Harare – In a significant development, Emmanuel Jay Banda, a Zambian Member of Parliament with a substantial bounty on his head, has been arrested in Zimbabwe. The arrest, announced by Zambia’s Home Affairs Minister Jack Mwiimbu on Wednesday, concludes a months-long manhunt for the fugitive lawmaker.
Banda, the MP for Petauke Central in eastern Zambia, had been on the run since escaping from Chipata General Hospital in Lusaka in August. His escape occurred shortly after 10 PM on August 4th, allegedly via a third-floor window, despite being guarded by five officers – two police officers and three prison officers. He was awaiting trial on charges of aggravated robbery and attempted murder, stemming from an incident in December 2015.
The charges relate to a robbery at Mzigawa Primary School in the Vubwi district, where items valued at approximately Kwacha 12,000 (around US$435) were stolen. Court documents detail the stolen property as a Canon camera (K10,000), spectacles (K1,800), two bank cards, and K200 in cash. The victim of this alleged robbery is identified as Peter Sukwa Muchelenga.
Banda’s initial arrest took place in June of this year, prior to his hospital escape. Following his escape, Zambian police launched a widespread search, offering a substantial reward of Kwacha 2 million (approximately US$72,000) for information leading to his apprehension.
Minister Mwiimbu, speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka, confirmed that Zimbabwean police apprehended Banda in Harare on Tuesday. He was apprehended while residing in a rented flat in the Zimbabwean capital. Banda will remain in Harare while the necessary extradition procedures are completed, the minister stated.
The escape from lawful custody has resulted in an additional charge being added to those already facing Banda. This new charge further complicates his legal situation and adds another layer to the already serious allegations against him. The Zambian government will now work closely with Zimbabwean authorities to ensure his swift return to Zambia to face justice.
