Zambian Court Orders Seizure of Assets Linked to Former President’s Son
Feb 14, 2026: Zambia’s High Court has directed the forfeiture of assets valued at more than $1.3 million from Dalitso Lungu, the son of late former President Edgar Lungu, in a ruling tied to an ongoing anti-corruption drive.
The order, delivered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Division of the High Court, covers 79 vehicles and 23 properties. The properties reportedly include a shopping complex, a fuel station, high-end apartments and an executive residence located in Lusaka.
Court Cites Lack of Verifiable Income
In its judgment, the court stated that the 39-year-old businessman and his company failed to provide credible and documented evidence explaining how the assets were lawfully obtained.
Judges reviewed Dalitso Lungu’s employment and income history as part of the proceedings. Court records showed that he briefly worked for a beverage company in Lusaka in 2012 and later spent nearly three years at the Zambia Revenue Authority.
The court concluded that his reported earnings were insufficient to finance the acquisition and maintenance of the extensive fleet of vehicles and high-value properties.
Investigations into his firm, Saloid Traders Limited, found that its financial statements, tax filings, banking records and social security documentation did not demonstrate the financial capacity required to acquire the assets in question.
Claims that the properties were funded through farming ventures, business profits or family assistance were dismissed due to a lack of supporting documentation.
Legal representatives for Dalitso Lungu have indicated they plan to challenge the ruling through an appeal.
Broader Political Context
The case unfolds against a backdrop of political tension between the late former president and his successor, Hakainde Hichilema, who defeated him in Zambia’s 2021 general election by a significant margin.
Edgar Lungu, who served as Zambia’s head of state from 2015 to 2021, passed away in South Africa last June. However, his burial has been delayed due to a legal dispute between his family and the current government.
The government has sought to repatriate his remains for a state funeral with full honours. A South African court previously ruled in favour of repatriation. The family, however, maintains that he wished to be buried privately in South Africa and has pursued further legal action to prevent the return of his body to Zambia.
Previous Asset Forfeiture Cases
Other members of the Lungu family have faced similar legal scrutiny in recent years. In 2024, Zambia’s High Court ordered the forfeiture of 15 apartments valued at approximately $3.5 million from former First Lady Esther Lungu.
Supporters of the former president argue that the anti-corruption campaign is politically driven, while government officials insist that the investigations are part of a broader effort to promote accountability and strengthen financial transparency.
Edgar Lungu’s body remains in a funeral facility in Johannesburg as legal proceedings over his final resting place continue.
