Former Zambian first lady questioned on corruption suspicion

By James Kunda

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - Former Zambian first lady Esther Lungu was questioned Tuesday in the nation’s capital of Lusaka over suspicion of fraudulently possessing land on which she built 15 houses in a plush suburb of the city.

She and her husband, Edgar Lungu, arrived to answer questions before a team of interrogators at Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) offices, before midday.

The former first lady’s lawyer, Makebi Zulu, said his client told investigators she acquired the land in 2015, the year her husband became president, and that was when construction began.

“The information she has given the investigators is what they needed in totality,” Zulu said, without indicating what would follow.

The DEC office also remained tight-lipped on the next step in the process.

The questioning took place in a calm atmosphere with heavy police presence as officers kept guard around DEC premises to thwart any attempt at disturbing public order.

Cornelius Mweetwa, spokesman for the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) party, thanked police for the peaceful atmosphere.

Addressing reporters at the party’s national secretariat in Lusaka, Mweetwa also thanked members of the Patriotic Front, the party which Lungu led as president that offered the former first couple solidarity, for conducting themselves peacefully.

He also hailed UPND members for not interfering with the proceedings.