The mysterious disappearance of an MP in Zambia has led to arrests, charges and a closely watched police investigation.
Independent MP Emmanuel Banda went missing in the capital Lusaka early Saturday morning under unclear circumstances.
He reappeared late on Sunday evening at a farm in a town about 43 kilometers south of Lusaka.
Mr Banda, also known as “Jay Jay”, claims he has been kidnapped.
The Zambian Human Rights Commission (HRC) – an independent watchdog whose commissioners are appointed by the government – has urged the national police to speed up investigations into the case.
“It should be noted that the kidnapping of Mr Banda is sowing seeds of discord in the country, a situation that could lead to widespread human rights violations if not properly and urgently addressed,” HRC spokesperson Mweelwa Muleya said after members of the organization had visited Mr. Banda in the hospital on Tuesday.
“Therefore, it is urgent to investigate the matter quickly but thoroughly and subject the perpetrators to a fair trial to put an end to impunity for the heinous criminal act of kidnapping.”
Mr Banda has been an MP since 2021 and has close ties to former President Edgar Lungu, who lost the presidency to Hakainde Hichilema that year.
His disappearance in Lusaka on Saturday, as well as his discovery, were first announced by members of the former ruling party, the Patriotic Front (PF), of which Mr Lungu is a member.
“He was found lying on the threshold of the farm’s kitchen and claimed he had been dumped a few meters from the farm by unknown persons,” police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said.
“Reverend Banda complained of general body pain and bruises were observed on his back.”
Mr Banda was later transported to Lusaka and admitted to the Maina Soko Military Hospital, where he remained on Tuesday evening.
In the wake of his disappearance, police 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 kidnapping.
The pair are accused of seditious practices.
Also arrested are independent MP Munir Zulu for hate speech and Maureen Mabongo of the PF on both hate speech and sedition charges.
Home Affairs Minister Jack Mwiimbu has denied state involvement in the case.
“We will leave no stone unturned as it appears there is more to this case,” he told a news conference.
There are many speculations on social media that Banda may have faked a kidnapping for political efforts. His family has denied such allegations.
His lawyer, Sakwiba Sikota, says Mr Banda is saddened and discouraged by the way authorities handled his case.
He alleged that the police forcibly took the lawmaker to the Maina Soko Military Hospital against the wishes of his family.
President Hichilema has since called for unity as his government faces accusations of intolerance and human rights abuses, which he denies.
“Let’s unite. Let’s not divide this country. Let’s not talk about tribe…if you start dividing people, how will we govern them?’ he noted on Tuesday when he arrived in northern Zambia for a two-day working visit.
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