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Zambia’s former First Lady Esther Lungu and her daughter Chiyeso Katete have been arrested over possession of properties suspected to be proceeds of crime. The two were arrested on Thursday in the capital, Lusaka, alongside another close relative identified as Charles Phiri, authorities said.
Ms Lungu “failed to give a reasonable explanation” of how she acquired a $30,000 (£24,000) estate in the capital, the state anti-drug agency said.
Former President Edgar Lungu said the family would challenge the charges in court.
The former leader has been accusing the government of victimising him and members of his Patriotic Front (PF) party to block his return to politics ahead of 2026 elections.
Ms Lungu “failed to give a reasonable explanation” of how she acquired a $30,000 (£24,000) estate in the capital, the state anti-drug agency said.
Former President Edgar Lungu said the family would challenge the charges in court.
The former leader has been accusing the government of victimising him and members of his Patriotic Front (PF) party to block his return to politics ahead of 2026 elections.
He had retired from politics after losing the presidency to Hakainde Hichilema in 2021.
After six years in office, Mr Lungu left the southern African country heavily in debt and with a precarious economy.
Several former ministers, government officials and members of Mr Lungu’s family have been on the radar of Zambia’s investigative agencies in an anti-corruption campaign launched by President Hichilema.
Mr Hichilema has vowed to recover all resources allegedly looted while Mr Lungu’s was in power.
Critics say the anti-corruption drive is politically motivated.