Government Says Over K7.3 Million Seized from Three Former government Officials

Government has addressed reports circulating on social media concerning former Zambian diplomat Ambassador Martha Lungu Mwitumwa and Hannah Katontoka, a member of the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance media team.
Speaking during a joint press briefing this afternoon with Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana, Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Permanent Secretary Dickson Matembo dismissed reports that the two women had been abducted, saying they were taken into custody by law enforcement agencies to assist with investigations and have since been released.
Mr. Matembo also revealed that more than K7.3 million has been confiscated from three former government officials whose source and intended purpose are yet to be established.
The permanent secretary identified the three as Japhet Mwakalombe, Mwila Kakana and Sensual Banda, who are currently in lawful custody.
He said the three were invited by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) to provide information on the source of the money but have informed the Commission in writing through their lawyers that they will only be available after 14th August 2026.