Zambia's former first lady and daughter arrested for owning properties worth over $2 million
- Zambia's former first lady and her daughter have been arrested over ownership of properties exceeding $2 million.
- The properties are suspected to be proceeds of crime according to law enforcement.
- Investigations are ongoing into the alleged illicit wealth accumulation.
Zambia's former first lady and one of her daughters were arrested for owning properties worth over $2 million that are suspected to be from illegal activities. Esther Lungu, the wife of ex-President Edgar Lungu, her daughter Chiyeso Katete, and a family friend were taken into custody by the Drug Enforcement Commission. This agency investigates money laundering claims. Esther Lungu's properties, including 15 apartments valued at $1.5 million near Lusaka, are being looked into. She couldn't explain how she got these properties. Katete and the family friend, Charles Phiri, are accused of owning properties worth over $570,000 from criminal activities. Another daughter of Edgar and Esther Lungu is also facing charges and was told to surrender by Monday. Edgar Lungu was Zambia's president from 2015 to 2021. He lost to current President Hakainde Hichilema in the election. Lungu is now trying to make a political comeback and plans to run against Hichilema in the 2026 presidential election.