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Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, has cautioned members of the public against vilifying individuals under investigation, warning that cyber laws prohibit defamatory and abusive conduct.
The Minister of Information and Media said Lusaka Catholic Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda should not be demonised for being asked to account for matters raised by law enforcement agencies, noting that he was not the first individual to be requested to assist with investigations.
On Monday, Archbishop Banda appeared before DEC and was formally warned following investigations into his alleged unlawful possession of a Toyota Hilux belonging to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).
Mweetwa urged members of the UPND, government officials and the general public to refrain from using derogatory language against Archbishop Banda, warning that such conduct could amount to a breach of the law.
Speaking at a media briefing in Choma District of Southern Province on Tuesday, Mweetwa clarified that the presidency was the only office that enjoyed constitutional immunity during tenure, while all other individuals—regardless of status, profession or affiliation—remained subject to the law.
He emphasised that the law did not recognise titles such as Bishop, Priest or Pastor, but applies to “persons” within Zambia’s jurisdiction.
“Lusaka Catholic Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda, like any other citizen, is presumed innocent until proven guilty, in line with the Constitution,” Mweetwa stated.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to dialogue, highlighting President Hakainde Hichilema’s consultative leadership style, which prioritises engagement over confrontation.
“I also want to state that the hovernment of President Hakainde Hichilema respects the church and its longstanding partnership with the state in national development and i want to reieterate the call to all religious leaders to promote tolerance, forgiveness and unity,” he said.
Mweetwa said the government’s doors would remain open to opposition political parties, civil society and the church, stressing that dialogue was essential to resolving differences and strengthening democracy.
He added that President Hichilema had declared 2026 a year of peace, love and national unity, urging Zambians to rally behind the rule of law and work together to drive national development as the country prepares for the future.
Mweetwa stressed that national development was impossible without peace, unity and respect for the rule of law, underscoring that all citizens are equal before the law.
On outstanding payments to farmers, Mweetwa assured that payments for maize supplied to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) would be concluded by January 10, 2026.
He confirmed that 90 percent of the funds had already been released to banks, with the remaining 10 percent expected to be disbursed tomorrow, January 7, 2026.
“Some delays in payments have also arisen from challenges in transitioning farmers to new digital payment systems and the fiscal pressures caused by the drought, emergency maize imports and electricity imports to stabilise power supply,” Mweetwa said.
He noted that these decisions were necessary to safeguard lives and keep the economy running, assuring that the Ministry of Agriculture was engaging banks and farmers to resolve the challenges and ensure swift disbursement of funds.
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