Police commissioner, Hakuwa, finds no evidence of vehicle theft in former First Lady’s case

Assistant Police Commissioner, Charles Hakuwa, has testified in the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court, stating he found no evidence linking former First Lady, Esther Lungu m, to motor vehicle theft.

Esther Lungu, along with police officers James Phiri, Lee Chisulo, Kapambwe Lungu, and her niece Catherine Banda, face three counts of motor vehicle theft and one count of general theft.

The case, presided over by Magistrate Mbuywana Sinvula, is set to resume on January 29, 2025, for further hearing.

During cross-examination by defence lawyer Charles Changano, Hakuwa revealed that the vehicles in question—a Toyota Runx, Toyota Allex, and a Canter truck—had been placed in safe custody and later released with proper authorization.

He stated: “The vehicles were parked for safe custody, and as the records indicate, they were collected in August.”

Hakuwa also testified that he received a call from the former first lady, who described the matter as a family dispute and requested the release of the vehicles. This decision was verified with co-accused James Phiri.

When questioned by defence lawyer Makebi Zulu on whether theft had occurred, Hakuwa responded:
“In my estimation, I did not see theft then, and I still do not see it now.”

Changano further requested the production of a rough book from Woodlands Police Station to corroborate case details.

Hakuwa confirmed that entries in the book aligned with his earlier testimony, including receiving consent to release the vehicles.

Zulu also inquired whether Hakuwa’s initial report of an abduction was related to the theft allegations.

Hakuwa maintained that no abduction or theft had been established during investigations.

The State plans to present four additional witnesses before closing its case.

The former first lady was accompanied to court by her husband, former President Edgar Lungu, and other members of the Patriotic Front.

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