NPA: Dalitso Lungu Property Forfeiture a Warning to Would-Be Offenders

The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) has said the landmark forfeiture of assets belonging to Dalitso Lungu, son of the late former President Edgar Lungu, should serve as a clear warning to anyone who seeks to enrich themselves through the proceeds of crime.

NPA Public Relations Manager Viviane Nsingo, speaking after a media tour of the forfeited property, stressed that the case of the Director of Public Prosecutions versus Dalitso Lungu is not an exercise in selective justice but part of Zambia's broader fight against corruption and financial crime.

"This matter has been active since 2023," Ms Nsingo said, noting that Mr Lungu had been given every opportunity to demonstrate legitimate acquisition of the assets but had failed to do so before the court.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Division of the High Court in Lusaka on Monday ordered the forfeiture to the State of 79 motor vehicles and 23 pieces of land and real estate, valued at over K24 million (approximately $1.3 million). The seized assets include a shopping mall and filling station in Jack Compound, double-storey luxury apartments and an executive residence in Salama Park, Lusaka, along with an extensive fleet of vehicles.

Judges Pixxie Yangailo, Annie Ononuju and Ian Mabolobolo, sitting as the Economic and Financial Crimes Court, ruled that the Director of Public Prosecutions had successfully established a case for non-conviction based forfeiture under the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No. 29 of 2010.

The court's assessment of Mr Lungu's financial capacity proved central to the ruling. Evidence showed that the 39-year-old worked briefly at Varun Beverages Zambia Limited in 2012, earning approximately K5,407 over less than three months, and later spent roughly 34 months at the Zambia Revenue Authority, earning a total of approximately K132,396. The court concluded these earnings were wholly insufficient to justify the acquisition of such an extensive portfolio of vehicles and high-value properties.

Investigations into Saloid Traders Limited, Mr Lungu's company, revealed that its financial statements, tax returns, bank records and NAPSA contributions did not demonstrate the capacity to lawfully acquire or maintain the assets. The court also rejected claims that the properties were financed through commercial farming, business income or family support, citing the absence of any supporting documentation.

"Lungu has failed to proffer further and solid evidence to substantiate his claims that Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, and indeed his parents, were the source of the funds used to purchase the impugned properties," the judges ruled.

Mr Lungu's legal team has indicated they will appeal the ruling.

The forfeiture marks one of the most significant asset recovery decisions involving a former head of state's immediate family in Zambian history. It follows a 2024 High Court order requiring former First Lady Esther Lungu to forfeit 15 flats valued at $3.5 million.

The forfeited properties and vehicles will now vest in the State, with relevant authorities expected to begin seizure, valuation and disposal in accordance with the law.