The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has confirmed the forfeiture of a vehicle registered to Archbishop Alick Banda, which was allegedly given to him improperly.
DEC Public Relations Officer Allan Tamba said yesterday that the Commission has commenced the forfeiture process relating to a Toyota Hilux registration number ALF 7734, following credible evidence that it was irregularly acquired.
“The registered owner, Lusaka Archdiocese Archbishop Alick Banda, was invited to avail the said vehicle. The Bishop availed the vehicle, which was subsequently seized from him through his legal representatives on 27th December, 2023,” stated Tamba.
The statement added that by 27 June 2024, Archbishop Banda had not claimed the vehicle and the DEC had not instituted any proceedings in the matter.
“In terms of Section 83 of Act No. 35 of 2021 of the Laws of Zambia, upon expiration of six months from the date of seizure, any seized property that has not been claimed is deemed duly and legally forfeited to the State.”
Tamba said the DEC was restrained from giving further details on the matter as the motor vehicle in question is the subject of consideration in other matters active in court.
It has recently emerged in a matter where the former Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Commissioner General Kingsley Chanda is facing criminal charges that former president Edgar Lungu irregularly gifted Archbishop Banda two motor vehicles, one of which was registered in his name.
