Why Zambia’s court seized Dalitso Lungu’s cars and properties

Zambia’s High Court has ordered the forfeiture of assets worth more than $1.3 million from Dalitso Lungu, the son of late former President Edgar Lungu, after judges found he and his company failed to provide a credible, consistent, and verifiable explanation for how the assets were lawfully acquired. The order covers 79 vehicles and 23 parcels of land and real estate, including a shopping mall, a petrol station, “luxury apartments,” and an “executive residence” in Lusaka as initially reported by BBC News.

In its ruling, the court focused on whether Dalitso Lungu and his firm, Saloid Traders Limited, could demonstrate that the assets were obtained through legitimate income. Judges concluded the explanations presented did not meet that test, citing a lack of documentation and inconsistencies in the account of funding sources.

According to Zambia’s National Prosecution Authority (NPA), the court’s assessment included reviewing his work history and earnings, as well as the company’s financial position and compliance records. The NPA says the court found that employment income based on the evidence presented was not sufficient to account for the scale of assets in question.

Investigators also examined the company’s financial statements, tax returns, bank records, and social security contributions, and the court found these did not demonstrate the capacity to lawfully acquire or maintain the portfolio of vehicles and property, according to the reporting and the NPA summary of the judgment.

Claims that the purchases were financed through commercial farming, business income, or family support were rejected due to a lack of supporting documentation, the report said.

Dalitso Lungu’s lawyers have indicated they intend to appeal the ruling, meaning the case may continue through Zambia’s courts.

Wider context: other Lungu family cases and political claims

The decision comes amid broader scrutiny of the Lungu family’s assets in recent years. In September 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Court ordered the forfeiture of 15 luxury flats linked to former First Lady Esther Lungu, with the NPA describing them as proceeds of crime.

Critics of the current government’s anti-corruption campaign say enforcement can be politically selective. Supporters argue asset recovery is necessary to strengthen public accountability.