GOVERNMENT FORFEITS K66 MILLION LUXURIOUS FLATS BELONGING TO ESTHER LUNGU IN LANDMARK ANTI-CORRUPTION MOVE
September 27,2024
LUSAKA – In a bold demonstration of its commitment to fighting corruption and restoring public trust, the government has successfully forfeited 15 luxurious flats valued at K66 million belonging to Esther Lungu, wife of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
The forfeiture, executed under the Proceeds of Crime Act No. 19 of 2010, is a significant victory in the government’s efforts to reclaim assets believed to have been acquired through illicit means during the Edgar Lungu’s administration.
The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) and the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) confirmed the decision by the Economic and Financial Crimes Court to seize properties numbered 9334/1, 9334/2, 9334/3, and 9334/4, which contain 15 double-storey luxurious flats located in State Lodge all belonging to Esther Lungu.
Spokesperson Chaly Hambayi stated that this forfeiture marks a new chapter in the fight against corruption, demonstrating the UPND government’s unwavering resolve to hold those who abused their positions of power accountable.
Ms. Hambayi emphasized that the government will not allow ill-gotten gains to be enjoyed by criminals.
“By taking over these properties, we are depriving criminals of the fruits of their wrongdoing and redirecting these assets towards lawful and beneficial purposes for society,” she said.
This decisive action underscores the UPND government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, values that were notably absent during the Edgar Lungu administration, which was marred by widespread allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement.
Since taking office in 2021, President Hakainde Hichilema has been relentless in his efforts to clean up the systemic corruption that took root under the previous regime.
Edgar Lungu administration, which faced numerous accusations of misappropriating public funds and enriching those close to power, is now under intense scrutiny as the UPND government seeks to recover assets suspected to have been acquired through corrupt practices.
The forfeiture of these high-value properties is a testament to President Hichilema’s determination to dismantle the corrupt networks that flourished under his predecessor.
The UPND’s government proactive stance on corruption contrasts sharply with the Lungu administration, which was criticized for turning a blind eye to the misuse of public resources and allowing impunity to reign.
The forfeiture of these properties not only serves as a warning to those who may have engaged in corrupt activities but also reassures the public that the current government is serious about restoring integrity and rule of law in Zambia.
Political analysts believe this move will resonate strongly with Zambians who have long been disillusioned by the corruption and lack of accountability during the Lungu era.
The forfeited properties will now be repurposed for public use, a move that aligns with the government’s vision of using public resources to benefit the wider community rather than a select few.
As President Hichilema’s administration continues to pursue high-profile corruption cases, the former ruling Patriotic Front (PF) has struggled to defend its legacy, now increasingly associated with corruption and maladministration.
The New Dawn government decisive actions serve as a reminder that no one is above the law, and the government remains steadfast in its mission to eradicate corruption and ensure that public resources are used for the betterment of all Zambians.
The Falcon
Thank you very much Mrs Lungu for building these structures on behalf of citizens.
These can be turned into lodging facilities for orphans, or even a specialist clinic.
Zambians will benefit from this.
It will be more difficult to seize dirty assets in Panama after 2026.
Zambians will never benefit from that dirty money in Panama.
Vote wisely in 2026.
Be remorseful. Cease to be arrogant.
Probably one of the most grounding messages I have heard for a while. Thanks.
The theiving woman is not remorsef who is u to be
With that attitude both local or Panama recoveries will never take place. For any decent human being, theft is theft, regardless of where the money is hidden.
@IndigoTyrol please take your madness and hallucinations elsewhere. Edgar Chagwa Lungu was not worthy but immediately he became president through manipulation and chancing he started involving himself, his wife and children in devious deals of corruption and thieving. A good name is better than worth gotten through stealing. A poor lawyer who at one time squandered his client’s money but now he claims that he was a successful businessman and lawyer before he became republican president. Shame up on you for cheating and telling lies about your source of income which ballooned within a short period of time.
Ba Theresa, Mayor of Kasama, there’s nothing we can do for you to understand because you’re intoxicated with the Defunct TuPF criminals government
Are you sure you have forgotten about the way we suffered under your ECL government? Can you compare the tranquility in the country under HH7 to that of ECL? The way we’re brutalized, murdered, your fellow women losing their husbands in broad daylight, undressed in public, the amount of theft of public resources some of which were grabbed from his wife yesterday, iyo wampapusha kanamayo iwe
Young lady there’s nothing praiseworthy under your ECL, if anything he should just be apologizing to Zambians by now
HH7 is just human bound to make mistakes but his leadership can’t be compared to your little god ECL
You wear Defunct TuPF regalia, you are a mayor under UPND ND government, have you ever been bullied? How many Zambians have died from political or police brutality since HH7 assumed office? You saw that marketeer in chilenje always in blood for supporting UPND
Anyway mucalo tamubula fiwelewele
Please Theresa leave Nevers alone because what your former President is doing is inappropriate
Vote wisely vote for HH7 in 2026/31
Naked we came into this world. On our way out everything will be left behind save for the piece of clothing covering us.
When is enough enough??
Probably one of the most grounding messages I have heard for a while. Thanks.
Amwapeeeeeellliiiinnng please give me back my flats.
Good recovery let’s vote wisely in 2026 as others will come to build more Flats.
You would rather they keep building the flats in Panama?
Vote wisely in 2026.
Wembwawe, can you bring evidence about those panama looted wealth or you are just dreaming through your anus?
Vote wisely vote for HH7 in 2026/31
Bana Lungu repent truly….True Repentance goes with humility then you will manage to advice your arrogant husband to stay away from active politics and doing things which divide the country
Look at how Holy Esther looks especially when she is in church,but look at what she looted as Wife to the Husband who was busy in Eswatini, Now, imagine if these guys went through after 2021, would they not have taken the whole country as their own, remember the daughter fenced off part of Zambia as her personal property until Panji Kaunda protested. and here is their Alpha male without shame claiming that he wants to come back and re destroy the country once again and is shamelessly standing before the Zambians seeking for votes for him and his family, imagine their are followers of his in this nation who are even clapping whenever he says nonsensical things and encouraging him to come and loot again, the question is, do those people clapping for him have a working brain. because for him, he has shown how hard core and unremorseful he is without shame.
I would really love it if she appeals to the Court of Appeal. If she loses there again, she should go all the way to the Supreme Court. If the DPP loses in the Court of Appeal, he too should appeal to the Supreme Court. The views of the senior-most judges are badly needed on this law and case.