Zambia’s main opposition leader Given Lubinda has been arrested on allegations of corruption, the country’s anti-graft watchdog announced on Monday.
According to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Lubinda is alleged to have used his position as a member of the government of former president Edgar Lungu to enrich himself.
Lubinda, who was elected acting president of the main opposition Patriotic Front following Lungu’s defeat in last year’s presidential elections, is accused of using proceeds of crime to acquire a US$260,000 house and is believed to have more than US$279,000 in his bank account which is also alleged to be from kickbacks received between 2018 and 2019.
“The above properties are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime,” ACC said in a statement.
It, however, said Lubinda was released after questioning and would appear in court soon.
Lubinda held several ministerial positions since 2011, including as foreign affairs minister between 2012 and 2013 and as justice minister.
JN/APA