Police have arrested Reverend Elifas Banda who disappeared from the country after stealing over 700,000 meant for GCE examination fees from Matero Boys Secondary School, where he worked as a teacher.
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga stated that on April 03, 2025, police officers in Mbala of Northern Province apprehended the suspect Banda.
Hamoonga stated that the suspect was intercepted at Zombe Border Post as he re-entered Zambia from Uganda.
“The Zambia Police Service wishes to provide an update on a case of Theft by Public Servant, which was reported to Matero Police Station on March 10, 2025. The report was made by Mr. Given Munkanshi, aged 48, Deputy Head Teacher at Matero Secondary School, who reported on behalf of the institution,” Hamoonga stated. “According to the report, a teacher at the same school identified as Mr. Elifas Banda, aged 35, also a Reverend at the Reformed Church of Zambia, is alleged to have stolen a total sum of K713,600 in cash. the money was intended for payments to the Examinations Council of Zambia for GCE examinations candidates. In addition, a Samsung cellphone valued at K4,000 was also reported stolen.”
Hamoonga stated that Banda was currently in lawful custody at Mbala Police Station and arrangements were actively underway to dispatch officers from Matero Police Station to facilitate the transfer of the suspect to Lusaka, where the case was initially reported and was being investigated.
He reiterated the Zambia Police commitment to ensuring that justice was served in this matter.
