By Esther Chisola
Former president Edgar Lungu has advised his wife Esther not to behave like some ‘hyenas’ after she expressed concern over the raid at their residence while she was attending a court case at the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court.
Speaking shortly after the court case, Lungu told his wife to first get home and see what had happened then contact their lawyer.
“As we are talking of hyenas, we should know that things are not okay. So, we shouldn’t behave like hyenas. Let’s get home and see what they have left, contact the lawyer because If you become hysterical like hyenas then the difference between you and them will not be noticed,” said Lungu.
Officers from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) raided the residence of Lungu while he accompanied his wife to court where she is facing charges of theft of a motor vehicle.
In this matter, Esther appeared at the magistrate court before magistrate Mbuywana Sinvula in a matter she pleaded not guilty to three counts of theft of Motor vehicle and theft of certificate of title Contrary to Section 281A of the Penal Code Chapter 87 and one count of theft Contrary to Section 272 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.
Esther, 66, is jointly charged with James Phiri, 49, a police officer, Lee Chisulo, 31, also a police officer, Kapembwa Lungu and Catherine Banda all are residents of Lusaka.
In count one, it is alleged that Esther, Phiri, Chisulo, Lungu and Banda on unknown dates but between August 9, 2021 and September, 30 2022 in Lusaka, jointly and whilst acting together, stole a motor vehicle namely a Mitsubishi Canter Registration number BAV 5282 valued at K320,000.00 the property of Elizabeth Change Phiri.
In count two and three, it is alleged that all accused persons on unknown dates but between August 9, 2021 and September 30 2022 in Lusaka jointly and whilst acting together, stole a motor vehicle, namely a Toyota Runnex Registration number BLA 9772 valued at K110,000.00 and Toyota Allex Registration number BAV 3986 valued at K 110,000.00 the property of Furhana Patel.
It is alleged in count four that all the accused persons between August 9,2021 and September 30, 2020 in Lusaka, jointly and whilst acting together, stole a Certificate of Title relating to Stand No. S/LUSAKA/0003/2977 situated in Libala Lusaka water works valued at K1,050,000.00 the property of Phiri.
