Esther Lungu, Zambia’s former First Lady, and her daughter Chiyeso Katete, along with a close relative Charles Phiri, were arrested in Lusaka on Thursday for allegedly possessing properties suspected to be proceeds of crime. According to authorities, Ms. Lungu failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the acquisition of a $30,000 estate in the capital.
Former President Edgar Lungu stated that the family would contest the charges in court, accusing the government of targeting him and members of his Patriotic Front (PF) party to impede his potential return to politics ahead of the 2026 elections.
He claimed to have been placed under house arrest due to his increased political activities, although these claims were refuted by the government.
Last September, Ms. Lungu, 66, was arrested on corruption allegations involving motor vehicle theft and fraudulent acquisition of title deeds, which she denied. The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) stated that Ms. Lungu owned 15 white double-storey flats in Lusaka’s Chongwe town, suspected to be proceeds of crime.
The exact acquisition date of the property, jointly owned with unknown individuals, was not specified, but the DEC noted it was purchased between 2015 and 2023.
Additionally, Ms. Lungu’s daughter faces charges related to the alleged fraudulent acquisition of another three-flat estate in Lusaka.
“Further, she was arrested for possession of 1 high-cost house, four chicken runs, and associated external works in the property,” the agency added.
Mr. Lungu confirmed that Esther Lungu, Chiyeso Katete, and Charles Phiri were released on bond after being questioned by DEC officials for several hours on Thursday. He assured that they were safe at home.
Another of Ms. Lungu’s daughters, Tasila, is also facing related charges and has been instructed to appear at the DEC on Monday through her legal representatives. While the accused individuals did not provide comments on the allegations, Mr. Lungu stated that the family would contest them in court.
However, it remains unclear when they will appear in court.
Mr. Lungu announced his return to politics last October, prompting the government to revoke his retirement benefits. Having retired from politics after losing the presidency to Hakainde Hichilema in 2021, Mr. Lungu left Zambia with significant debt and economic challenges after six years in office.
Zambia’s investigative agencies have targeted several former ministers, government officials, and members of Mr. Lungu’s family in an anti-corruption campaign initiated by President Hichilema.
President Hichilema has pledged to recover allegedly looted resources from Mr. Lungu’s tenure. Nonetheless, critics argue that the anti-corruption efforts are politically driven.
