Zambia's former First Lady, Esther Lungu, and her daughter, Chiyeso Katete, were arrested over suspected fraudulent property acquisitions.
Zambia’s former First Lady, Esther Lungu, and her daughter, Chiyeso Katete, were arrested in Lusaka on Thursday over allegations of possessing properties suspected to be proceeds of crime. They were detained along with a relative, Charles Phiri.
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) reported that Ms. Lungu could not provide a reasonable explanation for acquiring a $30,000 estate in Lusaka. Former President Edgar Lungu, her husband, has vowed to challenge the charges in court, alleging that the government is targeting his family to impede his political comeback ahead of the 2026 elections.
Last year, Esther Lungu faced similar accusations involving theft of motor vehicles and title deeds, which she denied. The recent charges claim she fraudulently acquired “15 white double-storey flats” in Lusaka’s State Lodge area, suspected to be proceeds of crime. The exact acquisition dates were not specified but were said to be between 2015 and 2023.
Chiyeso Katete is additionally accused of acquiring three flats in Lusaka and a high-cost house with associated external works and chicken runs, all suspected to be obtained fraudulently.
The accused were released on bond after hours of questioning. Another daughter, Tasila Lungu, faces related charges and has been summoned to the DEC.
Former President Edgar Lungu, who lost the presidency to Hakainde Hichilema in 2021, claims political persecution. Since Hichilema took office, he has initiated an anti-corruption drive aimed at recovering allegedly looted resources. Critics argue that these efforts are politically motivated.
