The confidential disappearance of an MP in Zambia has sparked arrests, accusations and a intently watched police investigation.

Detached MP Emmanuel Banda went lacking from capital town Lusaka within the early hours of Saturday morning in non-transperant cases.

He resurfaced past due on Sunday evening at a farm in a the city some 43km (27 miles) south of Lusaka.

Mr Banda, sometimes called “Jay Jay”, has alleged he was once kidnapped.

Zambia’s Human Rights Fee (HRC) – an sovereign watchdog whose commissioners are appointed via the federal government – has recommended the society’s police to boost up their investigation into the topic.

“It must be noted that the abduction of Mr Banda sows seeds of discord in the country, a situation that has potential to result into widespread violation of human rights if not properly and urgently addressed,” HRC spokesperson Mweelwa Muleya said after members of the organisation had visited Mr Banda in hospital on Tuesday.

“Therefore, there is urgent need to expeditiously but thoroughly investigate the matter and subject the perpetrators to the due process of the law in order to end impunity of the dreadful criminal act of abduction.”

Mr Banda has been an MP since 2021 and is close to former President Edgar Lungu, who lost the presidency to Hakainde Hichilema that year.

His disappearance in Lusaka on Saturday, as well as his discovery, was first announced by members of the former governing party, the Patriotic Front (PF), of which Mr Lungu is a member.

“He was found lying on the kitchen doorstep of the farmhouse, claiming to have been dumped by unknown persons a few metres from the farm,” police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said.

“Honourable Banda complained of general body pains, and bruises were observed on his back.”

Mr Banda was later transported to Lusaka and and admitted to Maina Soko Military Hospital, where he remained as of Tuesday evening.

In the aftermath of his disappearance, police have arrested Edith Nawakwi, leader of the opposition Forum for Development and Democracy party, and civil rights activist Brebner Changala, both of whom accused the ruling party of being behind the abduction.

The pair have been charged with seditious practices.

Also arrested are independent MP Munir Zulu for hate speech and the PF’s Maureen Mabongo on both hate speech and sedition charges.

Home Affairs Minister Jack Mwiimbu has denied the state’s involvement in the matter.

“We will not leave any stone unturned because it appears there is something more behind this matter,” he instructed a press briefing.

On social media, hypothesis that Mr Banda can have pretended an seize for political mileage is rife. His community has denied such accusations.

His attorney, Sakwiba Sikota, says Mr Banda is distressed and sad on the method during which the government have treated his case.

He alleged that the police forcibly took the lawmaker to Maina Soko Army Health facility towards his community’s needs.

President Hichilema has since known as for solidarity as his executive faces allegations of intolerance and human rights abuses, which he denies.

“Let us unite. Let us not divide this country. Let us not talk tribe… if you start dividing people, how will we rule them?” he remarked on Tuesday as he arrived within the north of Zambia for a two-day running discuss with.