FAITH, FAITHFUL AND A FORCE MAJEURE
….Archbishop Banda’s luxury truck trial grounded as State flight detours to Solwezi
By DAVID KANDUZA
THE highly anticipated trial of Lusaka Catholic Archbishop Alick Banda suffered a sudden bottleneck this morning, transforming the corridors of the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court into a tapestry of solemn prayers, rustling vestments and unexpected scheduling conflicts.
The 62-year-old prelate, widely known as ‘The Intellectual Giant,’ arrived at court flanked by a formidable vanguard of fellow Catholic clergy and devoted members of the faithful.
United in quiet solidarity, the sea of Roman collars and supportive parishioners filled the benches, bracing for the opening salvos of a trial that had captivated the nation.
However, the legal machinery ground to an abrupt halt before the first witness could even take the stand.
Deputy Chief State Advocate Mercy Lungu rose before Senior Resident Magistrate Mwandu Nakazwe to throw a wrench into the day’s proceedings.
In a candid submission, Ms Lungu informed the court that the prosecution team assigned to cross-examine the high-profile priest was entirely absent—stranded more than 700 kilometres away, attending to another pressing matter before the Solwezi High Court.
According to the State, the hearing notice for the North-Western Province trial had landed on their desks after Archbishop Banda’s trial dates had already been locked into the calendar.
With the prosecution out of pocket, the State was forced to beg for time.
Magistrate Nakazwe, weighing the scale of justice against the practical realities of a stretched State advocate system, ultimately granted the adjournment.
Noting that the prosecution must be physically present to respond to a fresh motion filed by the Archbishop’s defense team, she ruled that the pause was necessary “in the interest of justice.”
At the heart of this high-stakes legal drama was Section 319 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
The Archbishop faces one count of possessing property reasonably believed to have been unlawfully obtained.
The State alleged that between April 22, 2021, and December 27, 2023, Dr Banda was in possession of a sleek, blue Toyota Hilux bearing registration number ALF 7734.
Far from a simple traffic dispute, the vehicle was allegedly linked to a sweeping, multi-car investigation involving approximately 22 Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) motor vehicles that were reportedly disposed of irregularly.
Archbishop Banda, who previously pleaded not guilty to the charge and remained out on a K80,000 bail supported by three sureties, maintained his serene composure throughout the brief exchange.
As the court rose, he was once again escorted through the courtyard by his flock, their hymns and murmurs of support echoing against the concret walls of the complex.
The sanctuary of the courtroom will have to wait.
Magistrate Nakazwe had officially adjourned the matter to Friday, November 6, 2026, when the State’s legal team were expected to return from Solwezi and finally answer to the altar of the law.