DEC public relations officer Allan Tamba told reporters yesterday that the arrest of former First Lady Esther Lungu borders on new information on properties that have been identified in ongoing investigations.
“Basically, this is part of ongoing investigations which today (yesterday) culminated in the commission arresting madam Esther Nyawa Lungu, the former first lady, in connection with revelations emanating from ongoing investigations,” he said.
“So, immediately these investigations are concluded, we will get back to the general public and inform them on the outcomes of the investigations. But we can confirm she has been charged and arrested.”
Mrs Lungu’s lawyer Charles Changano said she was arrested regarding a property in Lusaka’s Ibex Hill valued at over K4.8 million.
Mr Changano said the arrest relates to property number
LUSAK/LN28925/7, which she is alleged to have illegally possessed.
He said in the second count, she is alleged to have hired a third party on the same property and paid K45,000 per month, which he said Mrs Lungu denied.
“They are saying that she hired a third party to enter into a lease agreement,” he said.
Mr Changano said this is said to have happened between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2023.
“She has been put on police bond,” he said.
“They have just extended the bond because she was interviewed on the same property before in July 2024. She was not arrested then, but warned and cautioned. They (DEC) are planning some other charges, so we will come back.”
-ZDM