Matero Boys teacher, Reverend Banda, pleads not guilty to K717,000 theft, granted bail

Reverend Alifasi Banda, a teacher at Matero Boys Secondary School and clergyman with the Reformed Church in Zambia, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of theft by public servant involving over K700,000 in government funds meant for GCE examination fees.

Appearing before Lusaka Senior Resident Magistrate Sylvia Munyinya, Reverend Banda denied the charge and was granted bail of K50,000 in his own recognizance.

The State did not oppose the bail application but requested that the accused provide suitable sureties.

Read more: Fugitive Matero school headteacher accused of stealing K713,600 arrested in Mbala District on return from Uganda

In granting bail, Magistrate Munyinya directed Banda to present two working sureties of fixed abode within Lusaka.

“I’m serious about this. This is a free bail, but conditions must be met,” she cautioned.

Banda is charged under Sections 272 and 277 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

It is alleged that between January 1 and March 7, 2025, he stole K717,600 belonging to the government—funds which were in his custody by virtue of his position as a public servant.

According to police, Banda was arrested in Mbala, Northern Province, after being intercepted at Zombe Border Post while returning from Uganda.

Authorities further alleged that he absconded with K713,600 in examination fees collected from students, as well as a Samsung smartphone valued at K4,000.

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