Govt explains why RB has been blocked for the third time

Government has said that Former President Rupiah Banda has not been allowed to leave the country , because of the travel embargo placed on him by the government joint investigative wing.

Home Affairs Minister Edgar Lungu said that Banda was not allowed out of the country for fear of interfering with on-going investigation which have not been taken to court yet.

Lungu said that the joint Investigative wings fear that Mr. Banda may temper with evidence and witnesses, or sabotage the investigations all together.

He said that government has since given instructions to different investigative wings to be alert and not allow  Banda to go out of the country without clearance.

Lungu said at a media briefing in Lusaka, that the Government Joint Investigative wings mandate is investigating Mr. Banda and if allowed out of the country he might interfere with witnesses. He said that the travel ban will only be lifted once the investigative team advises.

And  Lungu has said that the Office of the Attorney General was not served with the Thursday’s court order to allow Mr. Banda go out of the country.

Lungu said that there was no way government would allow Mr. Banda go out to the country, without the office of the Attorney General being served with the order. Lungu said that government only learnt of the court order through the media.

He said he will hold a meeting with the Attorney General this afternoon, to see whether the notice has been served, and discuss whether Banda should be allowed to leave the country.