(Melo Media, Wednesday, 8th November, 2023)
Constitutional Lawyer John Sangwa believes that the question of whether former President Edgar Lungu should be accused of fraud for accepting retirement benefits before reentering politics is open to discussion.
Gregory Chifire, Executive Director of the Southern Africa Network Against Corruption, believes that Edgar Lungu should be held accountable for obtaining money under false pretenses. Chifire argues that Lungu received benefits as a former head of state despite not retiring from active politics.
According to Mr. Sangwa, the decision to cite Mr. Lungu for fraud depends on the interpretation of constitutional provisions relevant to the case and Mr. Lungu’s own statements on the matter.
According to John Sangwa, it is important to evaluate whether Edgar Lungu’s actions prior to returning to politics can be considered as active participation in politics. Sangwa also acknowledges that Lungu has the right to be a member of a political party, but he should not hold an elected position.
John Sangwa believes that it would be unjust to prosecute former President Edgar Lungu solely based on his decision to reenter politics. Sangwa argues that if there were any grounds for prosecution, it should have been pursued within the first 6 months following Lungu’s retirement.
