The Zambian government has taken a significant step in its fight against corruption, seizing 15 luxury flats owned by Esther Lungu, wife of former President Edgar Lungu. The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) valued the properties at K24 million, sparking suspicions that they were acquired through illicit means. Investigations revealed that Esther Lungu’s declared income between 2012 and 2022 was substantially lower than the value of the properties.

The government’s move is part of a broader effort to recover ill-gotten wealth and tackle corruption. Director of Public Prosecutions Gilbert Phiri has filed a motion seeking a court order to forfeit the properties to the State. Esther Lungu claims the flats were built by her husband, but the DEC maintains they are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime. The case is now before the Economic and Financial Crimes Court.