Zambia : former first lady arrested on fraud charges

Zambia’s former first lady Esther Lungu was arrested in the capital Lusaka on Thursday after being accused of fraud, local media reported.

She was arrested with her daughter Chiyeso Katete, over possession of properties suspected to be proceeds of crime.

“Ms Lungu failed to give a reasonable explanation of how she acquired a $30,000 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.