In a significant turn of events, Zambia’s former First Lady Esther Lungu and her daughter, Chiyeso Katete, have been taken into custody over allegations related to the illegal acquisition of property. Joining them in arrest is Charles Phiri, another family associate.
The arrests occurred on Thursday in the Zambian capital of Lusaka, with authorities zeroing in on Esther Lungu’s possession of an estate valued at $1.5 million, the origins of which she reportedly failed to account for satisfactorily.
Edgar Lungu, Zambia’s former President, has criticized these legal actions as a form of persecution aimed at deterring his reentry into the political arena. He has expressed intent to contest the accusations legally, claiming that he has been placed under house arrest.
This is not the first instance of Ms. Lungu facing legal troubles, last September saw her being apprehended on corruption-related charges which included vehicle theft and misappropriation of title deeds. She has consistently denied involvement in these misdeeds.
In a recent statement, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) of Zambia disclosed Ms. Lungu’s ownership of “15 white double-storey flats” situated in Lusaka’s State Lodge area. These properties have raised suspicions as alleged proceeds of criminal activity.
Following hours of interrogation by DEC officials yesterday, Thursday, Ms. Lungu, along with the other detainees, was released on bond.
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These investigations into Mrs. Lungu’s affairs form part of President Hichilema’s aggressive anti-corruption campaign, which strives to recuperate assets purportedly embezzled during Mr. Lungu’s tenure.
