Former First Lady Esther Lungu and her daughter Chiyeso Katete have found themselves in hot water as they were arrested in Zambia’s capital, Lusaka, over possession of properties suspected to be proceeds of crime. The two were taken into custody alongside another close relative, Charles Phiri, on Thursday.
The state anti-drug agency revealed that Ms. Lungu failed to provide a reasonable explanation for how she acquired a $30,000 estate in Lusaka. Former President Edgar Lungu, husband to Esther Lungu, stated that the family plans to challenge the charges in court.
This arrest comes amidst a backdrop of political tension, with former President Lungu accusing the government of targeting him and his Patriotic Front (PF) party to prevent his return to politics ahead of the 2026 elections. He recently claimed to have been placed under house arrest, although the government denied these allegations.
This is not the first time the Lungu family has faced legal troubles. Last September, Esther Lungu was arrested on corruption allegations related to theft of motor vehicles and title deeds, which she denied.
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) stated that Ms. Lungu, 66, is suspected of fraudulently acquiring a luxurious real estate in Lusaka, consisting of 15 white double-storey flats. Her daughter, Chiyeso Katete, faces additional charges related to acquiring three flats estate in Lusaka under fraudulent circumstances.
Despite the allegations, the accused persons have not commented on the charges. Former President Lungu confirmed that they were released on bond and are safe at home after being questioned by DEC officials for several hours.
The Lungu family’s legal troubles seem to be far from over, as another daughter, Tasila, has been ordered to appear at the DEC on Monday through her lawyers. It remains to be seen if and when the family will appear in court to address these allegations.
President Hakainde Hichilema has been leading an anti-corruption campaign in Zambia, vowing to recover resources allegedly looted during Mr. Lungu’s time in power. Critics, however, argue that the anti-corruption drive is politically motivated.
As the Lungu family navigates these legal challenges, the political landscape in Zambia continues to be fraught with tension and uncertainty.
