Anti-graft agency, police deny claims of planned raid on ex-president Lungu’s home

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has refuted allegations that it has been instructed to raid the residence of former President Edgar Lungu.

The claims arose following the court hearing on Lungu’s eligibility case before the Constitutional Court.

ACC Head of Corporate Communications, Timothy Moono, clarified in a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday that the Commission operated autonomously and was not subject to any external control in its operations, except as provided by the Constitution.

“At present, the Commission is not investigating the former Head of State for any alleged misconduct, and no raid has been planned as claimed,” Moono stated.

He further assured that the ACC remained committed to handling all cases professionally, without bias or undue influence.

The allegations were initially made by Patriotic Front (PF) Party faction Secretary-General, Raphael Nakachinda, who shared a video on September 26, 2024, accusing President Hakainde Hichilema of instructing law enforcement agencies to raid Lungu’s residence in an attempt to distract from the ongoing court case.

Read More: Lungu accuses constitutional court president, two other judges of bias, requests their withdrawal from election eligibility dispute

Similarly, the Zambia Police Service dismissed related claims circulating on the PF’s Facebook page, which alleged that a combined police team was preparing to search and arrest Lungu.

“These allegations are baseless and entirely false. No such operation has been planned or is underway,” Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, stated.

Hamoonga emphasized that the Zambia Police Service operated within legal frameworks and would follow proper procedures, such as issuing a call-out, if any individual needed to be engaged in an investigation.

He further cautioned the PF Facebook page administrators against spreading false information that could mislead the public and cause unnecessary panic.

Such actions, he warned, were irresponsible and violate the law.

The police urged citizens to remain vigilant and refrain from sharing unverified information, while reiterating their commitment to public safety, transparency and professionalism.

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