The Chipata High Court is today, January 23, 2025, expected to deliver judgment in a high-profile case involving Paul Banda, a resident of Nkhungulu Village in Katete, who has been accused of the brutal murder of Chaleka Banda, a person with albinism. The case has drawn widespread attention due to the horrific nature of the crime and the disturbing circumstances surrounding it.
Paul Banda is alleged to have gruesomely killed Chaleka Banda on July 18, 2023, in what authorities believe was a ritualistic act. Police reports indicate that the accused intended to profit from the crime by attempting to sell the victim’s body for K1 billion. The victim’s lifeless body was discovered in his garden, bearing a deep cut on the left side of his head and evidence of shaving in the same area.
The court has heard detailed testimonies from witnesses and investigators over the course of the trial. Witnesses testified that the accused had openly confessed to killing Chaleka Banda, who was the only person with albinism in Nkhungulu Village, and admitted to plans of selling the victim’s hair. The revelations sent shockwaves through the community, which has been grappling with myths and misconceptions surrounding albinism.
Inspector Kendrick Chituli, one of the investigating officers, provided crucial evidence during the trial. He revealed that he went undercover, posing as a potential buyer, during the investigation. According to his testimony, Paul Banda reportedly offered to sell him the deceased’s body for K1 billion. Inspector Chituli described the meticulous steps taken by law enforcement to gather evidence and bring the accused to justice, emphasizing the importance of addressing crimes targeting vulnerable groups in society.
The murder of Chaleka Banda highlights a grim reality faced by individuals with albinism, who are often targeted due to harmful cultural beliefs that link their body parts to wealth and prosperity. Despite significant efforts by government and non-governmental organizations to debunk these myths, cases of violence against persons with albinism persist, sparking calls for stronger legal protections and public awareness campaigns.
Human rights organizations and advocacy groups have been closely monitoring the trial, urging the court to deliver a just ruling that will send a strong message against crimes fueled by superstition and prejudice. The judgment is expected to set a significant legal precedent and could influence how future cases involving violence against persons with albinism are handled in Zambia.
Community leaders and activists in Katete have also condemned the incident, calling for unity in the fight against the stigmatization and targeting of persons with albinism. They have emphasized the need for continued education to dispel dangerous beliefs and ensure that individuals with albinism can live freely and safely within their communities.
As the Chipata High Court prepares to deliver its ruling, many hope that justice will prevail for Chaleka Banda and his family. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need to protect the rights and dignity of every individual, regardless of their physical appearance, and to hold perpetrators of such heinous crimes accountable for their actions.
The verdict, expected later today, will not only bring closure to the family of the victim but could also play a vital role in advancing justice for persons with albinism across Zambia and beyond.
By Samuel Khwawe
