The Economic and Financial Crimes Court (EFCC) has ruled for the forfeiture of a US$2.5 million farm owned by former Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Stardy Mwale, after determining that the asset is proceeds of crime.
In a ruling by a three-member bench, the court ordered the forfeiture of Simonga Farm 132a, located in Mazabuka, to the State. The court also condemned Mwale and three other interested parties to cover the costs of the case.
The judgment, delivered by Judge Susan Wanjelani on behalf of judges Ian Mabbolobbolo and Vincent Siloka, found that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had successfully established, on the balance of probabilities, that the farm was acquired through illicit means.
“The property is liable to forfeiture as stipulated under the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No. 19 of 2010,” Judge Wanjelani stated. “Accordingly, we order that Simonga Farm be forfeited to the State.”
