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Investigation Is Not Persecution
WHEN he bowed out of power in September 2011, he humbly accepted that he had lost elections and that he could have made some mistakes while he was in power.
This was former republican President Rupiah Banda, who broke down when he conceded defeat after the September 2011 elections on handing over power to the incumbent President Sata.
When the government joint investigative team asked Mr Banda to answer questions regarding accusations of abuse of authority and suspected corruption, he defied the calls to answer any charges.
His lawyers Sakwiba Sikota, Robert Amsterdam and others probably wrongly advised him to stay away from being questioned on allegations of abuse of authority of office.
We are therefore taken aback by Mr Banda’s claim that he is being persecuted when he is merely being asked to answer questions regarding allegations that he might have committed offences during his three-year rule.
The police have not charged Mr Banda with any crime but rather investigators are just probing him over some matters.
The government joint investigative team has interviewed the former president under warn and caution and the investigations are expected to continue.
Mr Banda should be patient and not allow emotions to get the better of him because he has just been answering questions.
His other lawyer, Robert Amsterdam, has been throwing tantrums at Zambians instead of allowing the investigations to go on so that if Mr Banda is innocent, the government joint investigative team can clear him.
Some political leaders such as MMD president Nevers Mumba and United Party for National Development president Hakainde Hichilema have been crying foul over the removal of Mr Banda’s immunity.
The former president should avoid playing to the gallery by claiming that his trial will be a long legal battle because he has not even been taken to the police.
We do not agree with Mr Sikota’s claims that the interrogation will be a waste of time because members of the public have been calling for a probe into Mr Banda’s alleged criminal activities and this probe gives him an opportunity to clear his name.
The main opposition parties know very well that a precedent was already set when former president Frederick Chiluba’s immunity was lifted to pave way for investigations.
While Mr Banda is urging his supporters to brace for a long judicial process, the state wants to see a speedy trial of the former president.
On Monday, Mr Banda told his supporters to brace for a long drawn-out court process but the government has dismissed this and if he is to be prosecuted, the authorities would rather go for a speedy trial.
We urge Mr Banda’s sympathisers to respect the rule of law and not resort to hooliganism as the investigations continue.
Posted by
Danje Lacky
March 22, 2013 at 1:01 pm
His behaviour has made even us who were sketical to believe that Mudala has a lot skeletons in his wardrobes
isaac
March 22, 2013 at 1:18 pm
T
isaac
March 22, 2013 at 1:22 pm
The man is innocent till proven guilty. But as far as we know the man is already guilty. Amsterdam his lawyer needs to understand that he is dealing with the govt not an individual.
ken
March 22, 2013 at 3:27 pm
For now yes. Once he is charged “He is guity till proven innocent” That the rule.
MacLean
March 22, 2013 at 1:57 pm
It is foolish to justify interrogating someone with over 150 questions in just two meetings, the questions not even prepared by the interviewers but by people outside the investigative wings of govt not to be persecution. Not even in a court of law can someone be required to answer such a number of questions, even in five days.
It is also foolish to interrogate someone over a matter that is already before the courts of law, the Mpundu trust. Tandiwe has the right to borrow from any bank in Zambia and if she borrowed from Access bank, where is the offence? Which Zambian law did she break and why should RB be questioned for it?
It’s persecution to interrogate someone over an ensure that had nothing to do with his office as president. Campaign materials were the responsibility of the CEO of the MMD, i.e. the National Secretary. Besides which Zambian law forbids getting money from anyone or anywhere for campaign purposes?
It’s also persecution to interrogate someone on evidence gathered by an interested part, Wynter, who was the same person who accused RB in the National Assembly. This same Wynter has refused to be investigated by ACC over his oil deals with govt, corruption allegations made by PF’s GBM. The Nigerian oil contracts accusations contains fabrications by Wynter to implicate RB for the enormous hate he (Wynter) has against him (RB).
In conclusion, RB is being persecuted.
ken
March 22, 2013 at 3:37 pm
He was forewarned my freind. Arrogance won’t take you anywhere chaps.
1. Mpundu trust:- The first CEO of this was RB then transfered to Tandiwe. The pipo simply want to know if there was nothing fishy.
2. Evidence can be submitted to investigators by non investigative wings. Yes! interested parties you are right.
3. Who doesn’t know that campaign materials and money was dished out from State house. CEO of MMD. Cheap point.
4. The Nigerian Oil deal. It has been established beyond doubt that the proceeds were banked in account opened for the purpose in Singapore Barclays.
These are some of the issues you will have to prove that they are faulse.
Meanwhile just humble yourselves because currently its only questioning. time of reckoning is coming.
Bane Umfweni Leelo
March 23, 2013 at 5:23 pm
You are reacting on hear say Mr. What if all those allegationsa are false? Governmt officials have lied in parliament before, and what can stop RB allegations from being lies? We were told lies that Nevers stole money in Canada, charged for theft and what has happened now? Where in the world would you find people driving in the convoy caught and charged for unlawful assembly? Can someone define unlawful assembly. Elo Banda ena tusumine fye at ali iba when these others are false charges. Even if you hate him at least let him pass through laid down procedures.
call boy
March 22, 2013 at 2:20 pm
Quoting Wynter Kabimba “We have learned lessons from MMD and we are not going to make them”. Further “I have challenged the TIZ to bring their own investigators and I will give them access to my bank accounts”. Wynter knows very well not to keep money in Zambia. He has learned the lessons from Austin Liato and crew not to bury money. On election day, before his diplomatic passport expires, he will be enjoying himself in Cuba.
Barotse diaspora
March 22, 2013 at 4:15 pm
RB has vowed to remain mute and not utter or nod to any queries on monday asked by investigating team.even under gun point over he s dead body.
Higher Taller
March 22, 2013 at 6:32 pm
This article is certainly written by someone inside the RedBrick building. However, Banda has to answer charges of corruption. How else do we determine that he wasn’t corrupt except by probing him for the fishy deals he presided over?
blackbull
March 22, 2013 at 8:26 pm
rb is not serious and doesnt know that he is out of power plse just answer the questions