They were arrested in the capital, Lusaka, on Thursday, along with another close relative named Charles Phiri.

Zambia’s former First Lady Esther Lungu and her daughter Chiyeso Katete were on Thursday arrested for possessing properties thought to be the proceeds of crime.

They were arrested in the capital, Lusaka, on Thursday, along with another close relative named Charles Phiri, BBC reports.

According to the state anti-drug agency, Ms. Lungu was unable to provide a reasonable explanation for how she obtained a $30,000 estate in the city.

Former President Edgar Lungu said the family will contest the allegations in court.

The former president has been accusing the government of victimising him and members of his Patriotic Front (PF) party in order to prevent his political comeback before the 2026 elections.

He recently said that he had been placed under house arrest due to his increased political activity, but the government refuted this.

His wife was arrested last September on allegations of corruption involving the theft of cars and title deeds, which she denied.