Corruption Countdown #2. ACC Arrests Given Lubinda

To commemorate one year since the New Dawn government took office, this month Open Zambia is taking stock on one of the UPND’s major manifesto promises: clamping down on corruption. We’re counting down the top ten biggest busts of the past year to see how what a difference this new administration is making.

In March this year, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) arrested Given Lubinda, the erstwhile leader of the Patriotic Front (PF).

The former Justice Minister was arrested within 48 hours of his PF cabinet colleague Joseph Malanji, who had his hotel and helicopters seized by the Drugs Enforcement Commission.

Lubinda, who replaced former President Edgar Lungu as head of the PF, was accused of owning properties suspected to be the proceeds of crime. 

The property included a home in Kingsland City valued at $260,000. 

Lubinda was also found to be the owner of four bank accounts which held various amounts between $49,990 and $100,000. The accounts are suspected to have been set up between 2018 and 2019.

The arrest shows the strength of President Hichilema’s word, with several high-profile former officials from Lungu’s government being charged with corruption alongside many current figures who are also being persecuted. This shows that all forms of corruption will not stand in the New Dawn Government.