…As DEC, DPP tour Tasila Lungu’s forfeited farm
The Zambia National Service (ZNS) is already operating Simonga Farm, which was recently forfeited to the state after the Economic and Financial Crimes Court determined it was corruptly obtained.
Owned by the former Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, Stardy Mwale, before its takeover by the government, the farm is located in Chikankata District. It measures 1,227 hectares and has more than 400 cattle, 168 goats, 10,000 tomato plants, two tractors, a truck, a hammer mill, a chicken run, and two houses.
Anti-Corruption Commission acting Director General Monical Chipanta Mwansa visited the farm a few days ago and was pleased with how the ZNS was managing it.
Mwale is said to have acquired the farm at US$2.5 million, which the court deemed to have been proceeds of crime. However, an inspection instigated by law enforcement valued the farm at K29.5 million, much higher than the sum indicated in the contract.
Similarly, Drug Enforcement Commission Director General Nason and Director of Public Prosecutions Gilbert Phiri have toured the 615-hectare farm owned by the member of parliament for Chawama and former president Edgar Lungu’s daughter Tasila.
The farm, home to game including kudu, antelope, impala, wildebeest, and zebra, was forfeited to the state upon Tasila Lungu’s failure to demonstrate how she acquired the property, claiming her father gifted her. Her sister Chiyeso whose K9 million-plus properties in Lusaka were earlier forfeited to the state also points to the father as having gifted her the resources to acquire them, as did her brother Dalitso whose judgment is pending. Their mother has also lost residential property in Lusaka worth K15 million.
The farm – named Kumawa Ranch – also has 17 fish ponds of which two are operational. It is located in Sinda District of Eastern Province. She claims the farm is not worth more than K3 million but the state contends that it is valued at at least K9 million.
