Ex-Zambian leader Banda arrested

A joint government investigative team on Monday charged and arrested former Zambian President Rupiah Banda for concealment of nine light trucks he received from a construction firm, a spokesperson told Xinhua. Namukolo Kasumpa said Banda was arrested and charged with one count of concealing gratification after appearing for interrogations. He has since been given a police bond in his own recognizance and two working sureties while he is expected to appear in court on April 30. According to particulars of the offense, Banda, on dates unknown but between May 1, 2011 and Aug. 30, 2011, received the trucks from a company that was contracted to construct an ultra- modern stadium in Ndola city on the Copperbelt Province and concealed the receipt of the vehicles by having them registered in the names of other people connected to him. Banda's arrest follows the removal of his immunity by the Zambian parliament on March 15, 2013, which has seen him being probed for various corruption allegations. He was arrested on one count of abuse of authority of office in connection with a 2.5- million-U.S.-dollar Nigerian oil deal. Banda has however denied the charge. Last Friday, a high court allowed for a judicial review of his application in which he challenged the National Assembly for removing his immunity, arguing that procedure was not followed. A high court ruled that the National Assembly erred in removing Banda's immunity when it was served with a court injunction against hearing the motion. Banda, 75, ruled Zambia from August of 2008 to September of 2011 when he lost to incumbent Michael Sata. He has been lauded by many for handing over power peacefully after losing.