CARITAS Zambia has defended Archbishop Alick Banda’s continued stay in office, saying the Catholic Church leader can only step down if the Pope directs him to do so. Archbishop Banda is charged with the offence of being found in possession of property reasonably believed to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained, contrary to Section 319(a) of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia. Particulars of the offence allege that between April 22, 2021, and September 27, 2023, in Lusaka, Archbishop Banda had in his possession a Toyota Hilux, registration number ALF 7734, reasonably suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained. Recently, Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana said it is advisable for clergy facing “serious”...