Minister of Lands Chimwemwe Chipungu has instructed his lawyer to fire off a stinging demand letter to the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiative (CDEDI), insisting the organisation’s allegations were “defamatory, malicious and reckless.” Lawyer Khwima Mchizi confirmed the development, revealing the ultimatum stems from a bombshell press conference held by CDEDI on 27 July, during which the group made a series of damaging claims about the minister’s finances. According to the letter, CDEDI alleged that Chipungu had purchased seven vehicles worth a jaw-dropping K2.8 billion after becoming a minister, and had also begun constructing a hotel that appeared to be far beyond what his known income could realistically support. The watchdog additionally claimed the minister was involved in controversial land transactions linked to ADL — allegations Chipungu has flatly rejected as untrue. CDEDI executive director Sylvester Namiwa has confirmed receiving the demand letter, though it remains unclear at this stage whether the organisation intends to comply with the minister’s ultimatum, retract its claims, or stand firm and risk further legal action.