The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) says that former president Edgar Lungu is not under any investigation by the Commission.
“Currently, the Commission is not investigating the former Head of State over any allegations of impropriety, and as such no raid has been planned as alleged,” stated the ACC’s Head – Communications Timothy Moono.
Moono was reacting to allegations made by Patriotic Front faction secretary general Raphael Nakacinda that President Hichilema had ordered a raid on his predecessor’s residence to distract attention from Lungu’s eligibility case, which opened before the Constitutional Court yesterday.
However, he rubbished those allegations and stressed that the ACC is an autonomous institution subject only to the Constitution in the performance of its functions.
The Zambia Police Service has equally dispelled receiving any orders to raid Lungu’s residence, describing the claims as false.
Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said, “The Zambia Police Service wishes to categorically refute and dismiss the false claims circulating on the Patriotic Front (PF) Facebook Page, alleging that a combined team of police officers was planning to search and arrest former President Edgar Lungu last evening. These allegations are entirely baseless and have no element of truth. No such operation had been planned or was being conducted by the police.”
Hamoonga stated that the police operate within the framework of the law and should the need arise to engage any individual for police enquiries, appropriate measures such as issuing a call-out would be followed, “ensuring the rights and dignity of all persons are respected.”
He has cautioned the administrators of the PF Facebook page against disseminating false information intended to mislead the public and create unnecessary panic.
“Such actions are not only irresponsible but also constitute a violation of the law. The Zambia Police Service will not tolerate the continuous spread of misleading information as it poses a threat to public order and safety,” he warned.
A few days ago, the PF again alleged that the police had sealed off a radio station in Lundazi and parts of the area after Lungu was interviewed on a radio station there. The police again issued a statement refuting those allegations and disclosed that they were aware of Lungu’s whereabouts in Lusaka. It later emerged that the interview had been carried out in Lusaka and not Lundazi, lending credibility to the police’s position.
