Esther Lungu, the former First Lady of Zambia, was detained by authorities on Thursday over allegations of money laundering. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) confirmed her arrest, marking a significant development in Zambia’s ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes.
Mrs. Lungu, who served as First Lady during the presidency of her husband, Edgar Lungu, from 2015 to 2021, is accused of being involved in complex financial transactions aimed at concealing illicit funds. According to the ACC, these transactions involved significant sums of money believed to have been siphoned from public resources.
ACC spokesperson, Timothy Moono, stated, “The commission has gathered substantial evidence pointing to Mrs. Lungu’s involvement in money laundering activities. This is part of our broader mandate to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their status, are held accountable for corrupt practices.”
The charges against Mrs. Lungu include multiple counts of money laundering, with investigators alleging that she used her position to facilitate the illegal movement of funds. Specific details of the amounts and methods used have not been disclosed, as the investigation is ongoing.
In response to the allegations, Mrs. Lungu has maintained her innocence. Her legal team released a statement condemning the arrest as politically motivated and a ploy to tarnish her reputation. “Mrs. Lungu has always conducted herself with the highest integrity and has never engaged in any illegal financial activities,” the statement read. “We will vigorously defend her against these unfounded charges.”
The former president, Edgar Lungu, has also spoken out in defense of his wife, suggesting that the charges are part of a broader political witch-hunt against his family and supporters. Since leaving office, Edgar Lungu has faced his own set of legal challenges, including allegations of corruption and abuse of power.
The arrest of Esther Lungu is seen by many as a test of the Zambian government’s commitment to fighting corruption, which was a key promise of President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration. President Hichilema, who took office in August 2021, has pledged to root out corruption and restore public trust in government institutions.
As the case proceeds, it is expected to draw significant public and media attention. The outcome could have wide-ranging implications for Zambia’s political landscape and the ongoing anti-corruption campaign. For now, Esther Lungu remains in custody, awaiting further legal proceedings that will determine her fate.