10 Reasons Why Jay Jay Banda Must Not Be Forgiven For His Atrocities Without Justice

1. The Urination and Assault on Journalist Peter Sukwa
It is on public record that Jay Jay Banda assaulted Chipata-based Post journalist Peter Sukwa who went to verify reports of PF cadres helping foreigners get NRCs. According to The Zambian Observer recap of his crimes list, he assaulted Sukwa and urinated in his mouth. This was not politics — it was dehumanizing torture of a journalist doing his job. Forgiving that without justice would be betraying press freedom in Zambia.

2. The Storming of Lusaka Central Police Station and Beating of Police Officers*
In 2020, while serving as PF Eastern Province Youth Chairperson and facing aggravated robbery charges, Banda mobilized armed cadres and stormed Lusaka Central Police, beating officers on duty and escaping with money seized in a raid. Police declared him most wanted and had to beg him to surrender. A man who beats the very police meant to protect Zambians cannot be excused.

3. The Era of Political Terror From 2015 to 2021
Former Cabinet Minister Dr. Dora Siliya documents in her book _Minding My Father’s Country_ how Jay Jay Banda was enabled to rain terror during PF’s rule. She describes confronting late President Edgar Lungu about Banda’s activities, with Lungu himself reportedly asking the Inspector General why Banda had not been arrested. He was the face of cadre violence that made markets, bus stations, and elections unsafe.

4. The Staged Abduction of May 2024 That Nearly Destabilized the Nation
On 25th May 2024, as an Independent MP, he staged his own abduction — leaving his car by the roadside with a note, disappearing, then resurfacing at a farm 43km south of Lusaka. His associates like Binwell Mpundu blamed State House and sparked national panic, tribal tension, and diplomatic damage. This manipulation of national security institutions for sympathy must not be forgiven.

5. Escape From Lawful Custody While Facing Serious Felonies
According to Zambia Police Public Relations Officer Chipo Kaitisha, Banda fled the country in 2024 while facing charges of aggravated robbery and attempted murder, after escaping from lawful detention while admitted at Chipata General Hospital. He became Zambia’s most-wanted fugitive. Flight from justice is an admission that you fear the law — it is not grounds for forgiveness.

6. Becoming a Fugitive and Alleged Destabilization Plots From Abroad
After fleeing to Zimbabwe, security reports linked him to allegations of plotting destabilization and coup against the Zambian Government. Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed on record that they were working with Zambia Police CID to trace him and four others for cybercrime, robbery and theft. Using foreign soil to undermine constitutional order is treasonous, not a small mistake.

7. The Miracle Friday Scam That Exploited Poor Zambians
In 2025-2026, operating from abroad via Facebook Live, he announced “Miracle Friday” promising free Hungry Lion meals and $6 million cash distribution at Heroes Stadium. Hundreds of hungry Zambians gathered, only to be dispersed and 11 were arrested for unlawful assembly according to Zambia Police. Using hunger of poor citizens to create chaos and play hero is cruel exploitation.

8. False Abduction Accusations Against Innocent State Officials
In his abduction claims, he accused State House aides Levy Ngoma, Clayson Hamasaka and UPND Deputy Youth Chair Trevor Mwiinde. The Lusaka High Court dismissed his petition twice for failure to prosecute — meaning he failed to provide evidence. Judge Mwape Bowa dismissed it for lack of prosecution. Falsely accusing public officers to tarnish the presidency damages national integrity.

9. The Culture of Impunity — Fined K150 for Serious Crimes
Despite the gravity of his cases — aggravated robbery, assaulting police, assaulting journalists — records show he was once fined only K150 by the Lusaka High Court and K14,000 for the urination case. This mockery of justice created a culture where cadres believed they were above the law. Forgiving him now would confirm that in Zambia, the violent and connected can buy their way out.

10. Justice for Victims Must Come Before Forgiveness
Forgiveness without justice is injustice to the victims — Peter Sukwa who was humiliated, the police officers beaten at Central Police, the marketeers terrorized, the voters intimidated in Petauke, and the citizens misled during Miracle Friday. President Hakainde Hichilema has said rule of law must apply equally. Zambia must not forgive atrocities; Zambia must prosecute them to show that no one is above the law, and that the New Dawn means never again.