Former Republican President Edgar Lungu has denied owning properties in the Kingdom of Eswatini.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Mr. Lungu says he has read a report from the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) titled: “Swazi Secrets alleging that he owns a luxurious property in Eswatini.”

Mr. Lungu, however, says during his official visit to Eswatini in 2018 as then president, the King – His Majesty Mswati III – during exchange of gifts, offered him a plot on which he proposed he could build a house, but he chose not to take it up particularly after the hullabaloo in Zambia, alleging that the gift was not declared.

Mr. Lungu says he has been compelled to respond to the allegations following a challenge by Housing and Infrastructure Minister, Charles Milupi, asking him to explain the source of the money for his investment or properties in Eswatini.

By Darius Choonya