THE principle of natural justice is the bedrock of any democratic society. It is sacrosanct, unassailable, and universally recognised: every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and no-one should be condemned without being heard.
These principles are not mere abstractions; they are the safeguards that ensure fairness, accountability, and equality before the law. It is within this framework that Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has summoned Archbishop Alick Banda to assist with investigations into a motor vehicle allegedly obtained irregularly from Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).
Far from being politically motivated or an attack on the Catholic Church, the summons is a procedural step consistent with the rule of law and the demands of natural justice.
DEC director-general Nason Banda has been unequivocal in clarifying the matter. He has stressed that the summons is not a declaration of guilt, nor is it a political manoeuvre. It is simply an invitation to the Archbishop to present his side of the story.
This is precisely how justice should operate. When questions arise, the individual concerned is given the opportunity to respond.
To deny one this process would be to deny them the very essence of fairness.
As Mr Banda rightly observed, “Natural justice demands that the other side must be heard.” The Archbishop’s appearance before the commission is, therefore, not a spectacle, but a necessary step in ensuring that justice is not only done but is seen to be done.
Stakeholders across the spectrum have echoed this position.
House of Clergy Zambia has emphasised that there is nothing unusual or improper in summoning a senior cleric to assist with investigations.
Reverend Jimmy Ng’ambi has warned against sensationalising the process, noting that doing so risks undermining both public confidence in state institutions and the moral authority of religious leadership.
His words are a timely reminder that justice must be allowed to take its course without political pressure, public grandstanding, or prejudgment. The presumption of innocence must be protected with utmost care, and reputations must not be destroyed prematurely through the reckless dissemination of summons on social media.
Civil society voices have also underscored the importance of accountability. Alliance for Community Action executive director Jimmy Maliseni has pointed out that the summons grants Archbishop Banda an opportunity to clear his name.
This is the positive side of the process. Rather than being branded unfairly in the court of public opinion, Archbishop Banda can present his case in a professional setting where facts, not emotions, prevail.
Similarly, Governance Elections Advocacy Research Services (GEARS) Initiative has reminded the public that the law applies equally to all citizens. No-one, regardless of clerical status, public office, or social standing, is above the law. This is the meaning of the rule of law, and it must be upheld without fear or favour.
Independent Churches of Zambia and Jubilee Ministries International have reinforced this consensus, urging both Archbishop Banda and DEC to act responsibly and within the confines of justice.
Governance expert Ngande Mwanajiti has gone further,
lamenting the politicisation of what is essentially a legal and legitimate issue. His observation is apt: the law is what it is, and it does not respond to emotions. Accountability is not optional; it is a duty owed to the public and to the integrity of institutions.
What emerges from these voices is a clear and consistent message: Archbishop Banda’s summons is procedural, lawful, and necessary.
It is not an indictment of the Catholic Church, nor is it a political attack. It is a demonstration of the principle that justice must be impartial, transparent, and fair. To suggest otherwise is to misconceive the matter and to risk eroding public trust in both religious and state institutions.
The broader lesson here is that the rule of law must prevail over sentiment. In a society governed by laws, accountability cannot be selective. Whether one is a cleric, a politician, or an ordinary citizen, the law applies equally.
This is not a weakness of democracy but its strength. It ensures that justice is blind to status, but attentive to fairness.
It guarantees that no-one is condemned without being heard, and that innocence is presumed until guilt is proven in a court of law.
As Archbishop Banda prepares to appear before DEC, the public must resist the temptation to politicise or sensationalise the matter. Instead, we must allow due process to unfold, guided by professionalism, discretion, and fairness.
In doing so, we safeguard not only the dignity of individuals but also the integrity of our institutions.
Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done. That is the essence of natural justice, and it is the principle that must guide us all.
Archbishop Banda’s summons procedural, not political
THE principle of natural justice is the bedrock of any democratic society. It is sacrosanct, unassailable, and universally recognised: every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and no-one should be condemned without being heard.
These principles are not mere abstractions; they are the safeguards that ensure fairness, accountability, and equality before the law. It is within this framework that Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has summoned Archbishop Alick Banda to assist with investigations into a motor vehicle allegedly obtained irregularly from Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).
Far from being politically motivated or an attack on the Catholic Church, the summons is a procedural step consistent with the rule of law and the demands of natural justice.
DEC director-general Nason Banda has been unequivocal in clarifying the matter. He has stressed that the summons is not a declaration of guilt, nor is it a political manoeuvre. It is simply an invitation to the Archbishop to present his side of the story.
This is precisely how justice should operate. When questions arise, the individual concerned is given the opportunity to respond.
To deny one this process would be to deny them the very essence of fairness.
As Mr Banda rightly observed, “Natural justice demands that the other side must be heard.” The Archbishop’s appearance before the commission is, therefore, not a spectacle, but a necessary step in ensuring that justice is not only done but is seen to be done.
Stakeholders across the spectrum have echoed this position.
House of Clergy Zambia has emphasised that there is nothing unusual or improper in summoning a senior cleric to assist with investigations.
Reverend Jimmy Ng’ambi has warned against sensationalising the process, noting that doing so risks undermining both public confidence in state institutions and the moral authority of religious leadership.
His words are a timely reminder that justice must be allowed to take its course without political pressure, public grandstanding, or prejudgment. The presumption of innocence must be protected with utmost care, and reputations must not be destroyed prematurely through the reckless dissemination of summons on social media.
Civil society voices have also underscored the importance of accountability. Alliance for Community Action executive director Jimmy Maliseni has pointed out that the summons grants Archbishop Banda an opportunity to clear his name.
This is the positive side of the process. Rather than being branded unfairly in the court of public opinion, Archbishop Banda can present his case in a professional setting where facts, not emotions, prevail.
Similarly, Governance Elections Advocacy Research Services (GEARS) Initiative has reminded the public that the law applies equally to all citizens. No-one, regardless of clerical status, public office, or social standing, is above the law. This is the meaning of the rule of law, and it must be upheld without fear or favour.
Independent Churches of Zambia and Jubilee Ministries International have reinforced this consensus, urging both Archbishop Banda and DEC to act responsibly and within the confines of justice.
Governance expert Ngande Mwanajiti has gone further,
lamenting the politicisation of what is essentially a legal and legitimate issue. His observation is apt: the law is what it is, and it does not respond to emotions. Accountability is not optional; it is a duty owed to the public and to the integrity of institutions.
What emerges from these voices is a clear and consistent message: Archbishop Banda’s summons is procedural, lawful, and necessary.
It is not an indictment of the Catholic Church, nor is it a political attack. It is a demonstration of the principle that justice must be impartial, transparent, and fair. To suggest otherwise is to misconceive the matter and to risk eroding public trust in both religious and state institutions.
The broader lesson here is that the rule of law must prevail over sentiment. In a society governed by laws, accountability cannot be selective. Whether one is a cleric, a politician, or an ordinary citizen, the law applies equally.
This is not a weakness of democracy but its strength. It ensures that justice is blind to status, but attentive to fairness.
It guarantees that no-one is condemned without being heard, and that innocence is presumed until guilt is proven in a court of law.
As Archbishop Banda prepares to appear before DEC, the public must resist the temptation to politicise or sensationalise the matter. Instead, we must allow due process to unfold, guided by professionalism, discretion, and fairness.
In doing so, we safeguard not only the dignity of individuals but also the integrity of our institutions.
Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done. That is the essence of natural justice, and it is the principle that must guide us all.