I found something interesting in IVerify - Police operation at ECL residence targeted the former First Lady as part of ongoing investigation

Police operation at ECL residence targeted the former First Lady as part of ongoing investigation

Misleading

According to a statement issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Internal Security, Hon. Jack Mwiimbu, the Police search at Edgar Lungu’s residence was an operation targeted at Mrs. Esther Lungu following ongoing investigations against the former first lady. The Police through deputy spokesperson, Mr. Dan Mwale also issued a statement clarifying details of the operation.

# # # #
Verified May, 06 2023

Claim

On Wednesday, 03 May 2023, TheAfricana Facebook page uploaded a post alleging that the President, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, had directed the Zambia Police Service to surround the residence of the former Republican President, Mr. Edgar Lungu. TheAfricana alleged that sources with the former ruling party are asserting that Mr. Hichilema sent police officers after Mr. Lungu because he is not happy that Mr. Lungu is receiving widespread support from ordinary people calling for his comeback.

Rating Justification

iVerify Zambia has determined as misleading, the claim by TheAfricana, that President Hakainde Hichilema, had directed the Zambia Police Service to surround the residence of the former Head of State, Mr. Edgar Lungu. Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka, the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Hon. Jack Mwiimbu, clarified that the search at Former President Edgar Lungu’s residence was not politically motivated and that President Hichilema had nothing to do with the matter. Mr. Mwiimbu explained that the operation targeted the former First L:ady, Mrs. Esther Lungu, as part of an ongoing investigation. The Zambia Police deputy spokesperson Mr. Dan Mwale also issued a statement detailing the Police operation at the former President’s residence. Therefore, the claim by The Africana that the Republican President, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, had directed the Zambia Police Service to surround the residence of the former head of state, Mr. Edgar Lungu is misleading.

Evidence and References

Articles build on this verification


Journalist Name

Story hyperlink

OUR PARTNERS

  • We work to ensure that information is effectively used to foster development by empowering communities to shape their own agenda…

    Panos

  • Bloggers of Zambia is an emerging, independent and non-profit enterprise working in Internet Governance and Digital Rights, Media Rights and Freedoms and Online Creative Content Management.

    Bloggers of Zambia

    Bloggers of Zambia

  • MISA Zambia is a membership driven organisation that believes in freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom as functions of good governance.

    MISA Zambia