PoliticsZambia Police praised for professionalism in handling ‘Archbishop Banda’ procession.
PoliticsZambia Police praised for professionalism in handling ‘Archbishop Banda’ procession.Published 12 hours ago on January 6, 2026By Mwebantu Editor
THE Zambia Police Service has received online commendation for the professional and peaceful manner it handled sympathisers of Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda, who was appearing before law enforcers.
Archbishop Banda was summoned to appear at Drug Enforcement Commission(DEC) offices in Ridgway-Government Road- for questioning.
This is linked to allegations that he received a Hilux which was allegedly illegally disposed of by the Zambia Revenue Authority.
On Sunday, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu had categorically guided that no crowd will be allowed to hold a procession with Dr Banda because the summon only applied to him.
But yesterday, Archbishop Banda, in the company of his lawyers, some priests, members of the Catholic Men’s league, was in a procession with a mob of sympathisers who escorted the cleric from the Cathedral of the Child Jesus to DEC officers.
The sympathisers-some carrying rosaries while citing the “Hail Mary” prayer, walked with Archbishop Banda from the cathedral on the way upto Government Road before some of them were blocked by law enforcers near Zamcom Institute, which is not far from DEC offices.
Only Archbishop Banda, his lawyers and some clergyman were allowed to walk passed this barricade en route to the DEC officers.
Police, who were visibly retraining themselves amidst provocation, had some tough time convincing some sympathizers not to break the barricade.
Among those who were refused to proceed further include faction Patriotic Front president Given Lubinda, former Minister of Finance Bwalya Ng’andu.
There was also Socialist Party president Fred M’membe-who bitterly complained being refused entering the DEC officers as he is heard shouting “I am a lawyer” as officers prevent him passage.
The law enforcers were undeterred in maintaining order but did so with civility and restraint. Some officers are seen engaging a displeased nun, who seemed to be uttering unpleasant remarks at the men in uniform.
Several netizens commended the police for professionally handling the crowd with no tear gas or gunshots-scenes experienced prior to the 2021 general elections.
“What stood out today was the posture of the Zambia Police. They were present. They were firm. They were visible. But most importantly, they were restrained,” lawyer and politician Simon Mwila wrote on Facebook.
Reacting to Mr Mwila’s posting in the comment section, Chilufya Bwalya attributed the peaceful procession to both the crowd and police.
“It’s a win for both. I think the crowd was peaceful, they didn’t provoke each other. It could because baku church, political cadres are usually unruly,” Mr Bwalya said.
But a comment by Becky Zulu had reveled that potential of firing teargas was there.
“So, you didn’t hear when he(police deputy commanding officer) asked for teargas and his juniors refused to give him?”.
(Mwebantu, Tuesday, 6th January, 2026)