There’s no safe haven anywhere for fugitives these days, Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu has warned the fugitive lawmaker Emmanuel JJ Banda, who escaped from lawful custody on August 4.
Mwiimbu also lamented that it was probably a mistake to treat Banda humanely as that allowed him to elude lawful custody allegedly escaping through a window at Chipata General Hospital where he had been receiving treatment for his long-standing hernia.
“Maybe the other mistake we made was to treat him humanely. It was made a mistake. They should have chained him to the bed or any other post but we thought he was a human being. The officers thought that he was a person who deserved to be treated fairly.”
The minister stated that contrary to the “malicious and preposterous accusations” issued particularly by former president Edgar Lungu and Emmanuel Mwamba, a senior Patriotic Front party official, Banda was never chained or cuffed and his family members – his wives – were always by his side during his time in the hospital and at no time were there any complaints of him being chained.
He said according to Lungu, Banda has been in chains from the time he was taken into custody, including when he was in hospital. Lungu further alleged that Banda was being tortured by the government and declared that President Hichilema would be held accountable in the event of Banda’s death.
“The question that begs an answer is, how did JJ escape from lawful custody if he was under chains? How did he escape if his leg was amputated, how did he do that? How possible was it that JJ Banda whilst in hospital was able to subject himself to the procedure of submerging himself in saltwater if he was in chains? How possible is it that JJ Banda, if he was in chains, was able to jump through the window or whichever means he used?
“What we have noted is that there’s a narrative that was being driven by the PF over this matter. As if it was a precursor to the escape. It is very unfortunate. It’s extremely unfortunate that senior members, especially somebody who held high office in this country, can make such preposterous and malicious accusations inciting members of the public to rise against the President,” Mwiimbu stated.
He added that something was definitely wrong. “When you analyze the statements that have been coming out, what has happened and the conduct of the officers you can tell that there’s something more and we need to get to the bottom of that something more.”
The minister has also warned those peddling lies as to Banda’s treatment and health condition to be ready to face the law when called upon to answer for their statements. “I also want to state that even those who had immunity in the past don’t have immunity anymore. Immunity ceased. If you do things that are inimical to this country, and if you break the law, you will be answerable. That’s what the law says.”
