Zambia’s High Court has ordered the forfeiture of assets valued at more than $1.3 million belonging to Dalitso Lungu, the son of former President Edgar Lungu, ruling that he failed to provide credible evidence that the wealth was lawfully acquired.
The order covers 79 vehicles and 23 properties, including a shopping mall, a petrol station, luxury apartments and an executive residence in Lusaka.
In its judgement, the Economic and Financial Crimes Division of the High Court said the 39-year-old businessman and his company, Saloid Traders Limited, could not give a satisfactory or verifiable account of how the assets were obtained.
The court examined Lungu’s employment and income history, noting that he had worked briefly at a beverage company in 2012 and later spent nearly three years at the Zambia Revenue Authority. Judges concluded that his earnings during that period were insufficient to finance the acquisition and maintenance of such a large fleet of vehicles and high-value real estate.
Investigators also scrutinised the financial records of Saloid Traders Limited, including tax returns, bank statements and social security contributions. The court found that the company’s documentation did not demonstrate the financial capacity to lawfully acquire the assets.
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Claims that the properties were funded through commercial farming, other business activities or family support were dismissed due to lack of supporting evidence. In the ruling, the judges stated that Lungu had failed to provide solid proof that his late father or other family members were the source of the funds used to purchase the properties.
Lawyers representing Dalitso Lungu have indicated that they intend to appeal the decision.
The development comes against the backdrop of ongoing political tensions following the death of former President Edgar Lungu in South Africa last June. His burial has been delayed due to a legal dispute between his family and the government of President Hakainde Hichilema over whether he should receive a state funeral in Zambia or be buried privately in South Africa.
Other members of the Lungu family have also faced asset forfeiture orders. In 2024, Zambia’s High Court ordered former First Lady Esther Lungu to surrender 15 flats valued at $3.5 million.
While the government has framed the actions as part of its anti-corruption drive, critics argue that the investigations are politically motivated. Meanwhile, Edgar Lungu’s remains remain in a funeral home in Johannesburg as the legal battle over his burial continues.
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