The Court of Appeal has ruled in favor of Tasila Lungu, the daughter of former President Edgar Lungu, in a significant case involving her K8 million farm located in Sinda District, Eastern Province. This decision overturns the earlier ruling by the Economic and Financial Crimes Court, which had ordered the forfeiture of the property to the state on September 17, 2024, under the grounds of unexplained wealth. The previous court had raised concerns after investigations highlighted a notable disparity between Ms. Lungu’s reported income and the value of the farm, prompting questions about how the property was acquired.
Ms. Lungu, through her legal team led by Charles Chingano, appealed the forfeiture decision, maintaining that the property was legally acquired. Her lawyer argued that the ruling was premature and lacked sufficient evidence to justify the forfeiture. The appeal led to a stay of judgment while the case underwent further review.
In his decision, Judge Kelvin Muzenga of the Court of Appeal ruled in favor of Ms. Lungu, ordering the return of the farm to her. However, the ruling included a significant condition: Ms. Lungu is prohibited from selling or otherwise disposing of the property until the case reaches its final determination. This condition aims to preserve the property’s status as the legal process continues.
The case has drawn widespread attention, given its implications for the country’s anti-corruption efforts and the scrutiny of high-profile individuals’ financial dealings. For Ms. Lungu, the ruling marks a critical victory in her ongoing legal battle to clear her name and retain ownership of the farm. On the other hand, it highlights the complexities of adjudicating cases involving unexplained wealth and the balance between enforcing the law and protecting individual rights.
The outcome of this case will likely have broader implications for similar investigations and legal proceedings, as it underscores the importance of due process and the necessity for courts to carefully weigh evidence in matters involving allegations of financial impropriety.
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