Zambia: Police question former First Lady for money laundering

Zambian former First Lady Thandiwe Banda. PHOTO/File

Zambia’s former First Lady Thandiwe Banda was Friday questioned by Police in connection with luxurious villas in Lusaka and a bank account holding about US$1 million. This is the latest in a string of investigations into high-profile figures by the country’s new government.

President Michael Sata has made fighting corruption one of his priorities since ousting Banda in September. His administration has reversed several deals made during Banda’s term and launched probes into a host of other transactions.

Police spokeswoman Charity Munganga said the former first lady was questioned on Friday for allegedly abusing authority and laundering money during the purchase of the villa.

Thandiwe’s husband, former president Rupiah Banda, turned up with his party cadres to give solidarity to the wife, but at a wrong place, Task Force on Corruption offices

Banda told supporters in Lusaka that his wife was innocent and the truth would soon come out. He said Sata would soon realize that he had been misled.

Last month, the government said it was investigating former finance minister Situmbeko Musokotwane over a tax deferment agreement he concluded with an Indian company.

It has also said it will take full control of fixed-line operator Zamtel from Libyan owner LAP Green Networks after an inquiry in November ruled the 2010 transaction illegal.

Officials are also looking into the 2007 sale of a 49 percent stake in state-owned Zanaco Bank to Rabobank of the Netherlands.