Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa has leveled serious allegations against former President Edgar Lungu, suggesting he may have played a role in the escape of Emmanuel Jay Banda, the fugitive Member of Parliament for Petauke.
Speaking on Tuesday’s edition of Let the People Talk on Phoenix FM, Mweetwa expressed concern over Lungu’s silence following Banda’s escape from police custody. He questioned Lungu’s lack of response, particularly given his vocal stance during an earlier alleged abduction incident. Mweetwa’s comments imply that Lungu’s quietness may suggest involvement in facilitating the escape.
In addition to the escape allegations, Mweetwa criticized Lungu’s recent threats against civil servants, arguing that they reveal a troubling leadership style that could erode freedoms, human rights, and the rule of law in Zambia if Lungu were to return to power. He warned that such a shift could reverse the progress made over the past three years.
Mweetwa also addressed the country’s current energy crisis, revealing that Zambia’s electricity shortfall has surged to over 1,500 megawatts, up from 736 megawatts last month. This deficit is against a national demand exceeding 2,400 megawatts. He attributed the crisis partly to Zesco’s outstanding payments exceeding $300 million for power imported from Mozambique before the 2021 general elections.
