Zambia’s High Court has ordered the seizure of assets worth more than US $1.3 million (about £923,000) from Dalitso Lungu, the son of former President Edgar Lungu. The ruling was handed down by the Economic and Financial Crimes Division of the High Court after prosecutors argued that the assets were acquired without credible explanation of lawful sources.
The forfeiture order covers a wide range of properties and possessions, including:
- 79 vehicles
- 23 pieces of land and real estate
- A petrol station
- A shopping mall
- Multiple “luxury apartments” and an executive residence in Lusaka’s capital city.
State prosecutors posted images on social media showing some of the seized assets, including the petrol station.
Court’s Reasons and Financial Assessment
In its judgment, the court found that the 39-year-old Mr Lungu and his company, Saloid Traders Limited, failed to provide verifiable evidence showing how they lawfully acquired the extensive fleet of vehicles and high-value properties.
Investigators examined Dalitso’s employment history and financial records, which showed that he worked briefly at a beverages company in 2012 and later spent nearly three years at the Zambia Revenue Authority. The court said his earnings from these positions — even when combined — were insufficient to justify the scale and value of the assets.
The company’s financial statements, tax returns, bank records and social security contributions also did not demonstrate sufficient capacity to lawfully acquire or maintain the assets in question. Claims that the assets were funded through commercial farming, business activities or family support were dismissed due to lack of supporting documentation.
In a direct quote from the ruling, the judges noted that:
“[Dalitso] 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.”
Family’s Legal Response and Broader Context
Dalitso Lungu’s lawyers have indicated they intend to appeal the High Court decision.
This asset forfeiture follows previous rulings against other members of the former first family. In 2024, the High Court ordered former first lady Esther Lungu to forfeit 15 flats valued at around US $3.5 million on similar grounds.
Critics of the anti-corruption drive have argued that the legal actions are politically motivated.
The ruling comes amid a long-running dispute between the Lungu family and the current government under President Hakainde Hichilema. That feud has spilled over into a separate and highly publicised battle over the repatriation and burial of Edgar Lungu, who passed away in South Africa in June last year but has not yet been buried due to ongoing legal challenges. The government wants his remains returned for a state funeral, while the family has sought a private burial in South Africa.
