Corruption Countdown #4. Judge Banda Arrested For Corruption Involving Over K1 Million

To commemorate one year since the New Dawn government took office, this month Open Zambia is taking stock on one of the UPND’s major manifesto promises: clamping down on corruption. We’re counting down the top ten biggest busts of the past year to see how what a difference this new administration is making.

#4. Justice Joshua Banda Arrested For Corruption

Back in May this year, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), arrested the former High Court Judge, Justice Joshua Banda for corruption involving over K1 million of public funds.

The former judge was arrested and charged with two counts of corrupt transactions which went against section 20(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act and one count of conspiracy to defeat justice against the penal code.

 The charges stemmed from an offence wherein Judge Banda solicited K130,000 to assist David Mwanza, a sheriff, to make a favourable decision when judging a tribunal of Mopani Copper Mine.

 He also attempted to bribe Mr Mwanza with K1 million to persuade him not to give evidence against him at a Judicial Complaints Commission Tribunal.

 The case goes to show that not even the judiciary is exempt from the New Dawn government’s wide-ranging clampdown on corruption, with every sector of society subject to the exacting level of scrutiny which the public expect of those entrusted with high office.