Lusaka | 9 February 2026 – The Economic and Financial Crimes Division of the High Court in Lusaka has ordered the forfeiture to the State of extensive assets worth over ZMW 24 Million belonging to Dalitso Lungu, son of former Republican President the late Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, after finding that the properties were proceeds of crime under Zambia’s forfeiture laws.
In a judgment delivered today, the Court held that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had successfully established a case for non-conviction based forfeiture under the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No. 29 of 2010. The Interested Parties, who were Dalitso Lungu as the 1st Interested Party and his company Saloid Traders Limited, failed to provide a credible, consistent, and verifiable explanation showing lawful acquisition of the assets.
The forfeiture order covers 79 motor vehicles and 23 parcels of land and real estate, including a shopping mall and filling station in Jack Compound, double storey luxury apartments and an executive residence in Salama Park, Lusaka.
The Court carefully reviewed Mr Lungu’s work history and earnings. Records show that he worked briefly at Varun Beverages Zambia Limited in 2012, earning approximately ZMW5,407 over less than three months. He later worked at the Zambia Revenue Authority for about 34 months, earning a total of approximately ZMW132,396, while also servicing a personal bank loan.
The Court concluded that these earnings, even cumulatively, were insufficient to justify the acquisition of the extensive fleet of vehicles and real estate.
Investigations into Saloid Traders Limited, the company owned by Mr Lungu, revealed that its financial statements, tax returns, bank records, and NAPSA contributions did not demonstrate the capacity to lawfully acquire or maintain the properties.
Claims that the assets were financed through commercial farming, other business income, or family assistance were rejected due to lack of documentary evidence such as bank transfers, tax filings, or lawful property conveyancing instruments.
The Court confirmed the legal principle that, once the State demonstrates reasonable grounds to suspect that property is tainted, the burden shifts to the property holder to prove lawful acquisition, a burden that the Interested Parties did not meet.
The Court ordered that all cited assets be forfeited to the State and directed that they be managed by the DPP in accordance with the law. The Interested Parties were also condemned in costs.
This decision emphasises the State’s authority to recover unexplained wealth and reinforces the principle that property ownership carries a responsibility to demonstrate lawful origin.
The images below provide a glimpse of some of the forfeited assets. More photos and comprehensive details will be shared in due course.