Former Zambia President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has denied owning properties in the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Lungu’s reaction follows a report from the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) titled: “Swazi Secrets – a glimpse inside the tiny Kingdom”, claiming that the former Zambia President is owning several properties in Eswatini.

Writing on his officials facebook page the former President said the report is based on unverified information, innuendos and in many cases, utter lies.

“The report, inter alia, alleges that I own a luxurious property in Eswatini. The truth of the matter, however, is that I own NO property in Eswatini.

“During my official visit to Eswatini as Head of State in 2018, the King – His Majesty Mswati III – during exchange of gifts, offered me a plot on which he proposed I could build a house. The empty plot was in a gated golf estate and architectural drawings of the proposed house were prepared,” wrote Lungu.

He added: “I was extremely grateful for the offer from His Majesty, King Mswati III, but I chose not to take it up particularly after the hullabaloo in Zambia, alleging that the gift was not declared.

“Therefore, it can clearly be seen that this is not a new allegation. It has been popping up occassionally, especially from malicious people whose fervent desire is to paint me black. I have elected to remain silent all this time out of deep respect for His Majesty, King Mswati III who made that offer in very good faith.

“I have now been compelled to respond because I didn’t expect a senior minister in government to throw such a challenge at me when the government – using the state machinery – can easily establish the truth of the matter. I am not surprised, however, because this government has gone to great lengths in throwing all manner of baseless accusations at me.”