Acquitted terrorists accused demand US$2M compensation

A LUSAKA businessman, Marlone Banda, who was with three others acquitted of terrorism charges has dragged the Attorney General to the High Court, seeking special damages amounting to US$2 million.

Banda was jointly charged with former President Edgar Lungu’s political advisor, Chris Zumani Zimba, Given Phiri and Potipher Gwai, with the offence of possession of terrorism articles, which is a non-bailable offence.

They were accused of been behind the gassing incidences that engulfed the country in 2020.

The four stayed in custody from May to December 1, 2023, when Judge Koreen Mwenda-Zimba found them not guilty of having committed the alleged offence.

Mr Banda, also the Chief Executive Officer of Masiye Petroleum Products limited, sued the Attorney General in the Lusaka High Court arguing that his arrest was wrongful and amounted to malicious prosecution.

“The Plaintiff continues to suffer loss and damages due to the actions of Zambia Police as his businesses have not recovered from the financial loss it sustained during the period of incarceration,” he said.

He is therefore claiming US$2,000,000, being the amount due from the failure by him to execute a stand by letter of credit.

He wants him state to pay him K2, 000,000 spent on obtaining the stand by letter of credit.

Banda is also demanding sum of K2, 327,933.02, an amount due from the failure by him to settle a loan from Madison Finance Company.

He also wants K10, 000,000, being an amount due for failure of to settle a payment for diesel supplied to him by Kacholola systems, as he was wrongfully incarcerated and interest on the amount found due by the court.