NO MONEY TRAIL HAS BEEN SHOWN BY DALITSO TO PROVE LUNGU BOUGHT HIM HIS PROPERTIES

In a legal battle involving Dalitso Lungu, the son of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu, the State has argued that he has failed to prove that his father financed his extensive property holdings, which include a fleet of 69 vehicles, numerous pieces of land, and a gas station. The State contends that these assets were acquired through grand corruption and is seeking their forfeiture.

Dalitso Lungu has responded by claiming that the properties were gifts from his father and were acquired through legitimate means, as Saloid Traders Limited, the company through which the properties are registered, is a family business owned by his father. He has filed an affidavit in opposition to the motion for forfeiture, asserting that he did not engage in criminal activities to acquire the assets.

However, Detective Inspector Pardon Liuma from the Criminal Investigations Department has challenged Dalitso’s claims. Liuma argues that Dalitso has not provided sufficient documentation to substantiate his assertion that the properties were financed by his father. Key points raised include:

1. Lack of Documentation: Liuma asserts that Dalitso has not provided evidence showing that the Toyota Land Cruiser and other vehicles were bought by Edgar Lungu. There are no bank transfers, receipts, or other documentation to support this claim.
2. Property Acquisition Proof: The State argues that Dalitso has not demonstrated that Edgar Lungu had the financial means to purchase the properties. The credit sale agreement only confirms the purchase of two Shacman Tipper trucks by Saloid Traders Limited, with no evidence linking this to the other vehicles.
3. Business Operations Evidence: There is no evidence showing that the vehicles found concealed in a warehouse were used in the normal course of business operations or that they were leased out as part of Saloid Traders Limited’s business.
4. Company Records: Records from the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) list only Dalitso and his wife as directors and shareholders of Saloid Traders Limited, with no documentation indicating it is a family business owned by Edgar Lungu.
5. Income Sources: The State argues that Dalitso has not proven the sources of income that financed the operation of Saloid Traders Limited and the acquisition of the properties in question.

In summary, the State is seeking to confiscate the assets due to a lack of evidence proving their legitimate acquisition, while Dalitso maintains that the properties were gifts from his father and that Saloid Traders Limited is a family-owned business. The outcome of the case will depend on the court’s evaluation of the evidence provided by both sides.