Tasila Lungu, the member of parliament for Chawama, has been added to the Drug Enforcement Commission’s (DEC) wanted list after failing to respond to a call for questioning. DEC director general Nason Banda announced this decision during a press briefing, stating that repeated attempts to have Tasila appear have been unsuccessful. Earlier this year, the Lungus—Esther, Chiyeso, Dalitso, and Tasila—were summoned regarding accusations of possessing illicit wealth. While the other family members attended, Tasila did not, claiming she was abroad on maternity leave, and she has not returned since.
Banda expressed that the lawmaker still has a chance to clear her name if she believes she is innocent. He emphasized the importance of allowing individuals to share their side of the story to ensure fair justice. He criticized Tasila for causing delays in investigations, questioning why individuals who have not broken the law would hesitate to appear before the DEC.
The director general highlighted the DEC’s mission to foster a culture of accountability in Zambia, where citizens should readily explain their sources of wealth. He urged people not to fear law enforcement calls and suggested that the process should not require extensive legal representation, as they merely seek straightforward answers regarding wealth acquisition.
Banda warned that failure to account for assets could lead to confiscation by law enforcement agencies. He clarified that while some seized properties could eventually be returned if their legitimate acquisition is proven, individuals must be willing to cooperate when called upon by the DEC. He reassured that the commission’s intent is not to intimidate but to inquire and conduct thorough investigations. Banda also dismissed any notions of bias in crime-fighting efforts, stating that ethnicity should not influence accountability in the justice system. He concluded that substantial measures to combat crime will be implemented in the coming year, promising stricter enforcement against criminals.
