1. Zambian former first lady fraud charges
2. Ex-first lady of Zambia arrested fraud.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : Zambia’s former First Lady Esther Lungu and her daughter Chiyeso Katete have found themselves in legal trouble as they were arrested in the capital, Lusaka, over the possession of properties suspected to be proceeds of crime. The arrest also included another close relative, Charles Phiri, according to authorities.
The State anti-drug agency revealed that Ms Lungu was unable to provide a reasonable explanation for the acquisition of a $30,000 (£24,000) estate in the capital. Former President Edgar Lungu, husband of Esther Lungu, stated that the family would challenge the charges in court.
Allegations of being put under house arrest due to heightened political activities have been denied by the government. However, the former president has been vocal about the government’s attempts to block his return to politics ahead of the 2026 elections.
This is not the first time the Lungu family has been embroiled in legal issues. Last September, Esther Lungu was arrested over corruption allegations, including cases of theft of motor vehicles and title deeds, which she denied.
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) stated that Ms Lungu, 66, was arrested on suspicion of fraudulently acquiring a luxurious real estate in Lusaka. The property, consisting of “15 white double storey flats” in the State Lodge area of Lusaka’s Chongwe town, is believed to be proceeds of crime. The acquisition date of the property, jointly owned with other unknown individuals, was between 2015 and 2023.
Additionally, Ms Lungu’s daughter, Chiyeso Katete, faced charges related to the acquisition of another three flats estate in Lusaka, suspected to have been obtained fraudulently. The DEC also mentioned that she was arrested for the possession of a high-cost house, four chicken runs, and associated external works on the property.
After being questioned by DEC officials for several hours on Thursday, all three individuals were released on bond, as confirmed by Mr. Lungu. Another daughter of Ms Lungu, Tasila, is also facing separate but related charges and has been instructed to appear at the DEC on Monday.
While the accused persons did not comment on the allegations, the former president stated that the family would challenge them in court. The exact court appearance date was not immediately clear.
Following his retirement from politics after losing the presidency to Hakainde Hichilema in 2021, Mr. Lungu announced his comeback last October. However, the government responded by withdrawing his retirement benefits.
President Hichilema has launched an anti-corruption campaign, aiming to recover resources allegedly looted during Mr. Lungu’s time in power. Several former ministers, government officials, and members of the Lungu family have been under scrutiny by Zambia’s investigative agencies.
Critics have raised concerns about the political motivation behind the anti-corruption drive. However, President Hichilema remains committed to holding accountable those who have allegedly misused public funds.
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1. Zambian ex-first lady arrested fraud charges
2. Zambian ex-first lady fraud charges.
