Vehicle gifted to Archbishop Banda was purchased by ZRA employee, records reveal
Members of the National Convener's Conference (NCC) led by their Chairperson Ambassador Dr. Mbita Chitala (in a dark blue suit and red tie) pose for a photo after paying a courtesy call on the Archbishop of Lusaka, Most Rev. Dr. Alick Banda, Vicar General Fr. Andrew Simpasa SJ and Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika (in an all white casual attire) at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus, Pope Square Thursday 24th October 2024. - Picture by NCC Media Team
Throwback: Friday, 13th September 2024 | Daily Nation Newspaper
Vehicle gifted to Archbishop Banda was purchased by ZRA employee, records reveal
By BARNABAS ZULU
IT has come to light that the vehicle at the center of the controversy involving Archbishop Alick Banda was actually a gift from Mr. Mulopa Kaunda, who had purchased it from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) at a discounted staff price.
According to documents and receipts, the vehicle in question, a Toyota Hilux (ALF 7734), was gifted to Archbishop Bishop Banda, who is currently in Vatican City, Italy.
Mr. Kaunda bought the vehicle for K50,000 through an auction, contradicting testimony presented in court by State Witness Suzyo Ng’andu, a former ZRA board secretary.
The purchase took place on November 13, 2020, and was facilitated by ZRA administrative assistant Chalwe Mwango, who approved the transaction through a gate pass.
The Anti-Corruption Commission has since confirmed that Archbishop Banda voluntarily surrendered the vehicle after learning it had been improperly disposed of.
During a parliamentary session yesterday, President Hakainde Hichilema reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating corruption, citing the seizure of the vehicle from Archbishop Banda as a key example.
However, it is yet to be seen if the vile attack on Archbishop Banda by rogue online media run by State House will stop, as from the records, it suggest that the vehicle was not stolen as alleged but rather a gift that was given to the Bishop by a congregant. – Daily Nation
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