Court Orders Forfeiture of Former First Lady’s 15 Luxury Properties
By National Prosecution Authority of Zambia | 27 September 2024
In furtherance of Zambia’s asset recovery efforts, the Economic and Financial Crimes Court has ordered the forfeiture of 15 luxury flats valued at ZMW 66 million belonging to former First Lady, Esther Nyawa Lungu, declaring them proceeds of crime. The judgment marks a key moment in the country’s ongoing fight against financial misconduct.
Delivered today, the court ruled that the former first lady failed to provide sufficient evidence proving that the properties were acquired through legitimate means. Her assertion that her husband, former President Edgar Lungu, had financed the construction of the flats was dismissed due to the absence of supporting documentation.
The Court emphasised the importance of proper documentation in substantiating claims of wealth, stating that the absence of credible evidence would not be tolerated in such cases. This judgment is part of a growing body of jurisprudence in Zambia, establishing a clear precedent for holding public officials accountable for illicit wealth accumulation.
The Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit (AMLIU) of the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) played an instrumental role in securing the forfeiture. The success of this case underscores the importance of continued collaboration between the prosecution and law enforcement bodies to combat corruption and restore integrity in public service.
This judgment makes a bold statement that Zambia is determined in tackling financial crimes and holding individuals accountable, no matter their standing, The case also highlights the resolve within Zambia’s legal and enforcement institutions to ensure that assets obtained through illegal means are reclaimed for the benefit of the public.
Former first lady, Esther Nyawa Lungu’s case bears similarities to other high-profile forfeitures, including that of Tasila Lungu, where claims of family assistance in wealth accumulation were similarly rejected due to lack of supporting evidence. The message is clear: Zambia’s leadership is determined to root out corruption at all levels and ensure that the country’s resources benefit the wider public rather than individuals engaged in criminal conduct.
With a firm judicial stance on asset forfeiture and a growing portfolio of recovered assets, Zambia’s anti-corruption campaign is being praised both domestically and internationally. This latest judgment demonstrates the continued determination to uphold justice, making it clear that in Zambia, crime will not pay.