Zambia’s former First Lady, Esther Lungu, and her daughter, Chiyeso Katete, were arrested on Thursday in Lusaka. They are accused of possessing properties believed to be proceeds of crime. The arrest also involves another relative, Charles Phiri. Authorities have noted that Esther Lungu was unable to account for a $30,000 estate in Lusaka.

Additionally, Lungu and four others face charges related to the theft of motor vehicles and a certificate of title for a property.

This incident follows previous allegations of corruption against Lungu last September, which involved the theft of cars and title deeds.

The opposition Patriotic Front (PF) has criticized the arrests, claiming they are politically motivated efforts by the current government to undermine former President Edgar Lungu’s potential political comeback before the 2026 elections.