The Zambian government has said it was considering the necessity of prosecuting former President Rupiah Banda for alleged corrupt practices while he was leading the country.

Commerce, Trade and Industry minister Bob Sichinga told journalists on Tuesday that the government may begin legal proceedings against the former president who last year lost to current president Michael Sata in the presidential elections.

The new government’s announcement follows growing calls for the arrest and prosecution of Banda on allegations of corruption, theft and abuse of office.

Among the allegations Banda was accused of the attempted sale of Zamtel the state owned telecommunications company while he was president, which a special inquiry claimed was strongly influenced by him contrary to the law.

He is alleged to have directed the former minister of communication Dora Siliya who herself faces arrest over the same matter to select a preferred buyer for the company, determine its sale price and provide several undeserved incentives.

The former president was also linked to $1 million which was stashed in a local bank.

The former leader has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and accused Sata’s new regime of pursuing a policy of witch-hunt against him and members of his erstwhile administration.

Meanwhile Sichinga said it was imperative that the former head of state be given an opportunity to respond to the growing allegations and clear his name, which can only be done through a court of law.

For Banda to be arrested and face prosecution, his immunity from prosecution that every sitting and former president enjoys, would have to be lifted by the National Assembly.

More interested stakeholders have been calling for the lifting of Banda’s immunity so that he can be prosecuted in order for him to answer charges of inappropriate conduct while in office.

Source African Press Agency

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