Phiri denies she parked vehicles at Police Station in Esther Lungu Case of Theft of motor vehicle

By Hannock Kasama & Memory Bbuku

A witness has claimed that Chief MUKUNI of Southern Province who is her grandfather gifted her the money for the purchase of a house and motor vehicles, allegedly grabbed by former First Lady ESTHER LUNGU.

ELIZABETH PHIRI, 53 of LUSAKA’s Jack Compound has also denied assertions that she parked her vehicles at LUSAKA’s Ibex Police Station, amidst contentions over their ownership.

Mrs. PHIRI, who is also a herbalist, has delivered the testimony today before LUSAKA Resident Magistrate MBUYWANA SINVULA.

This was during cross examination by defence Lawyer LEON LEMBA.

Meanwhile, Magistrate MBUYWANA SINVULA has adjourned the matter to November 26, 2024 for continuation of trial.

This follows an application by Deputy Chief State Advocate CHIPOLA BAKO that the state needed more time to prepare for re-examination of the witness.

In this matter former First Lady ESTHER LUNGU and four police officers are charged with four counts of theft of motor vehicles.

The vehicles allegedly belong to ELIZABETH PHIRI, a relative of Mrs. LUNGU.

Mrs. LUNGU is also individually accused of grabbing a certificate of title for Mrs. PHIRI’s house in LUSAKA’s LIBALA area.

Mrs. LUNGU is further charged with possession of 400,000 dollars deemed to be proceeds of crime.