The recently delivered judgement by the Economic and Financial Crimes Court has revealed that former First Lady, Esther Lungu, had no verifiable sources of income to support her substantial real estate investments. The court’s ruling follows an investigation into Mrs. Lungu’s financial dealings, leading to the forfeiture of her 15 double-storey flats located in Lusaka’s State Lodge area, which are collectively valued at K66 million. The properties were seized after being deemed “tainted” due to the unexplained origins of the funds used for their development.
The court’s decision, now made public, is based on a thorough investigation into Mrs. Lungu’s financial history, both locally and internationally. Authorities sought to identify any legitimate income sources tied to her name, including those potentially generated through Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) or other entities. In collaboration with the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), investigators attempted to determine if any tax returns had been filed under her name, any associated NGO, or other linked entities.
However, the investigation revealed that no registered tax returns were found for Mrs. Lungu or any related entities, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of her financial activities. The absence of tax filings and income records ultimately led the court to conclude that the properties were acquired through means inconsistent with legal and transparent income generation.
This high-profile case underscores the growing focus on combating corruption and financial crimes in Zambia. The judgement sets a significant precedent in efforts to hold public figures accountable for unexplained wealth, particularly in light of the government’s ongoing initiatives to recover illicitly acquired assets.
The ruling serves as a stark reminder that transparency in financial dealings, especially for public officials and their families, is critical. The court’s findings are likely to fuel further discourse on the role of anti-corruption measures and the importance of accountability in governance, as Zambia continues to strengthen its fight against economic and financial crimes.