Zambia’s former First Lady, Esther Lungu, and her daughter Chiyeso Lungu Katete, were arrested on Thursday by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) for allegedly acquiring a luxurious estate in Lusaka valued at $1.5 million.
According to the DEC, authorities suspect the property was obtained through illegal means. Ms. Lungu was arrested under suspicion of “possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.” The estate, reportedly constructed between 2015 and 2023, comprises 15 double-storey flats in Lusaka’s State Lodge area, estimated to have cost ZMW41.6 million (approximately $1.53 million).
The DEC alleges Ms. Lungu failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for how she acquired the property. Ms. Lungu Katete faces additional charges related to the alleged fraudulent purchase of another three-flat estate in Lusaka, along with a high-cost house, four chicken runs, and associated external works on the property.
All three individuals were released on bail after questioning. Another of the former president’s daughters, Tasila Lungu, is reportedly facing separate but related charges and is scheduled to appear before the DEC on Monday.
This marks the second arrest for Ms. Lungu in eight months. She was previously detained in September 2023 on corruption charges involving stolen motor vehicles and title deeds, which she denies.
Former President Edgar Lungu has denounced the arrests as politically motivated, claiming they are intended to hinder his potential return to politics ahead of the 2026 elections. Mr. Lungu, who maintains his family’s innocence, recently alleged he was placed under house arrest due to his increased political activity. These claims have been refuted by the Zambian government.
