By Hannock Kasama
Former President Edgar Lungu’s son, Dalitso Lungu, has suffered a major legal setback after losing his attempt to halt the forfeiture of properties alleged to be proceeds of crime.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Court has ruled that Dalitso Lungu has little chance of succeeding in his appeal against the forfeiture of 79 motor vehicles and 23 properties.
Dalitso Lungu, together with Saloid Traders Limited, had applied for a stay of execution, seeking to block the enforcement of a court order that allows the seizure of the disputed assets.
However, the court dismissed the application, stating that neither Dalitso Lungu nor Saloid Traders Limited had demonstrated exceptional circumstances that would justify stopping the forfeiture process.
The ruling was delivered by Economic and Financial Crimes Court Judge Annie Anonuju, sitting with Judges Ian Mabbolobbolo and Pixxie Yangailo.
The court also noted that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Gilbert Phiri, had successfully established grounds for the non-conviction forfeiture of the properties, which were deemed to be proceeds of crime.
The decision now clears the way for authorities to proceed with the forfeiture of the vehicles and properties as investigations and legal processes continue.
– ZNBC News