Zimbabwean Catholic bishops have expressed solidarity with Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda following his arrest in Zambia, calling for truth, justice and due process as the senior cleric faces a criminal case amid a widening post-election crackdown on opposition figures and critics of the government.
In a letter dated October 2 2026 and addressed to the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) said the arrest of Banda had placed the Church in Zambia in a difficult moment in which neighbouring Catholic bishops could not remain indifferent.
“If one member suffers, all suffer together with it,” the bishops quoted from 1 Corinthians 12:26.
The Zimbabwean bishops said they had followed with concern developments surrounding Banda, including his appearance before Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) on September 28, 2026 his subsequent arrest and appearance before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court.
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Banda pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on bail.
“We, your brother Bishops of ZCBC, write to express our fraternal solidarity and prayerful closeness to the ZCCB, His Grace Archbishop Alick Banda, Metropolitan Archbishop of Lusaka, and the entire Catholic Church in Zambia during this challenging moment,” the bishops said.
The bishops, however, stopped short of declaring Banda innocent or questioning the legitimacy of the criminal justice process.
Instead, they drew a line between the State’s responsibility to investigate possible wrongdoing and its obligation to make sure such investigations respect fundamental rights.
“The Church recognises the legitimate responsibility of public institutions to administer justice and uphold the rule of law,” they said.
“At the same time, the dignity of every human person requires that judicial procedures be conducted fairly and impartially, with full respect for due process and the rights of those involved. We therefore join you in praying that truth and justice may prevail.”
Banda, one of Zambia’s most prominent Catholic leaders, was arrested by the DEC on September 28 and charged with possession of property reasonably believed to have been unlawfully obtained.
The case centres on a blue Toyota Hilux, registration number ALF 7734, which the DEC alleges Banda possessed between April 2021 and December 2023 and which was reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).
The vehicle forms part of a wider investigation involving about 22 ZRA vehicles allegedly improperly disposed of.
Banda pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of K80 000.
He spent a night in custody after the process of finalising his release was not completed before the correctional facility closed.
He is scheduled to return to court on November 3, 2026.
Banda’s arrest follows Zambia’s August 13 general elections, which returned President Hakainde Hichilema for a second term but were followed by allegations of electoral irregularities and a series of arrests involving opposition figures.
Opposition leader, Brian Mundubile, who finished second to Hichilema, rejected the election outcome and said his campaign had documented irregularities in the conduct, counting, transmission and declaration of results.
International observers also raised concerns about intimidation and restrictions during the campaign.
On August 14, 2026 security forces raided a property linked to Mundubile in Lusaka’s Kabulonga area.
Former cabinet minister and opposition politician, Mutotwe Kafwaya, was shot during the operation and later died. Several opposition figures were arrested.
Amnesty International subsequently called for an independent and transparent investigation into Kafwaya’s death and an end to a growing crackdown on peaceful dissent.
The arrests and security operations prompted international concern, including calls for the Zambian authorities to respect due process and fundamental rights.
Banda has previously been vocal on national political and governance issues, while his perceived closeness to opposition figures has fuelled speculation about whether his arrest is purely a criminal matter or has a wider political dimension.
Before the election, Mundubile and his running mate reportedly sought Banda’s counsel and blessing.
Some analysts have therefore linked the archbishop’s arrest to his perceived political stance and his criticism of the authorities.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwean bishops said its solidarity with Banda was also rooted in the longstanding relationship between Catholic churches in the region.
Zimbabwe and Zambia are members of the Association of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Malawi. Zambia and Zimbabwe (ACBC-MAZAZI), creating institutional and pastoral ties that extend beyond their shared border.
“As neighbouring Episcopal Conferences, our bonds extend beyond geographical proximity,” the bishops said.
They said the difficulties facing one national Church inevitably affect the others.
“When one local Church passes through a moment of difficulty, we cannot remain indifferent. Its joys and hopes, trials and anxieties become our own,” they said.
The bishops also appealed for calm among Zambian Catholics, particularly those in Lusaka and the wider Church.
“We encourage all the faithful to remain united in prayer, peaceful in spirit and steadfast in hope as the judicial process takes its course,” they said.
The bishops ended their letter with a religious appeal for peace.
“Please convey to His Grace Archbishop Banda our assurance of prayer and fraternity. The Bishops and the entire Catholic Church in Zimbabwe stand with him and with the Church in Zambia in prayer,” they said.
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