Zambian former first lady arrested for fraud
By DL News
Published
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The arrests took place on Thursday in Lusaka, along with a relative named Charles Phiri, according to authorities.
Zambia's former First Lady Esther Lungu and her daughter Chiyeso Katete have been detained in connection with properties believed to be the proceeds of crime.
The arrests took place on Thursday in Lusaka, along with a relative named Charles Phiri, according to authorities.
The state anti-drug agency reported that Ms. Lungu was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for how she acquired a $1.5 million (£1.2 million) estate in the capital.
Former President Edgar Lungu has stated that his family plans to contest the charges in court, accusing the government of targeting him and his Patriotic Front (PF) party to impede his potential political comeback in the 2026 elections.
He also recently claimed to have been under house arrest due to his political activities, a claim the government has denied.
In September last year, Ms. Lungu faced corruption allegations related to the theft of motor vehicles and title deeds, which she denied.
On Thursday, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) announced her arrest on suspicion of fraudulently acquiring a luxurious property in Lusaka.
The DEC's statement detailed that Ms. Lungu owns "15 white double-story flats" in the State Lodge area of Lusaka's Chongwe town, which is suspected to be the proceeds of a crime.
While the exact date of acquisition was unclear, the DEC indicated that the property was purchased between 2015 and 2023.
Additionally, the DEC charged her daughter with acquiring another three-flat estate in Lusaka under suspicious circumstances.
Furthermore, she faces charges related to the possession of a high-cost house, four chicken runs, and associated external works on the property.
All parties were released on bond after several hours of questioning by DEC officials on Thursday, as confirmed by Mr. Lungu.
