By Kennedy Gondwe:
The mysterious disappearance of a Member of Parliament (MP) in Zambia has sparked arrests, accusations and a closely watched police investigation.
Independent MP Emmanuel Banda went missing from the capital Lusaka in the early hours of Saturday in unclear circumstances.
He resurfaced late on Sunday night at a farm in a town some 43 kilometres (27 miles) south of Lusaka.
Banda, also known as ‘Jay Jay’, has alleged he was abducted.
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Zambia’s Human Rights Commission (HRC)—an independent watchdog whose commissioners are appointed by the government—has urged the nation’s police to accelerate their investigation into the matter.
“It must be noted that the abduction of Banda sows seeds of discord in the country, a situation that has potential to result into widespread violation of human rights if not properly and urgently addressed,” HRC spokesperson Mweelwa Muleya said after members of the organisation had visited Banda in hospital on Tuesday.
“Therefore, there is an urgent need to expeditiously but thoroughly investigate the matter and subject the perpetrators to the due process of the law in order to end impunity of the dreadful criminal act of abduction,” Muleya said.
Banda has been an MP since 2021 and is close to former president Edgar Lungu, who lost the presidency to Hakainde Hichilema that year.
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His disappearance in Lusaka on Saturday, as well as his discovery, was first announced by members of the former governing party, the Patriotic Front (PF), of which Lungu is a member.
“He was found lying on the kitchen doorstep of the farmhouse, claiming to have been dumped by unknown persons a few metres from the farm,” police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said.
“Honourable Banda complained of general body pains, and bruises were observed on his back,” Hamoonga said.
Banda was later transported to Lusaka and admitted to Maina Soko Military Hospital, where he remained as of Tuesday evening.
In the aftermath of his disappearance, police have arrested Edith Nawakwi, leader of the opposition Forum for Development and Democracy party, and civil rights activist Brebner Changala, both of whom accused the ruling party of being behind the abduction.
The pair have been charged with seditious practices.
Also arrested are independent MP Munir Zulu for hate speech and the PF’s Maureen Mabongo on both hate speech and sedition charges.
