ZAMBIA’S law enforcement authorities have taken Daliso Lungu, the son of former President Edgar Lungu, into custody on Monday, charging him with possession of property believed to be acquired through criminal means. Daliso Lungu, aged 36 and a businessman, has been jointly charged with his wife, Matildah Milinga, aged 36, in their roles as directors of Saloid Traders Limited, a company at the centre of the allegations.
According to a statement from Lusaka, the country’s capital, Police Spokesman Rae Hamoonga disclosed that Saloid Traders Limited owns 48 motor vehicles with an estimated value exceeding 23 million Zambian Kwacha ($1.34 million) and fixed assets valued at over 12 million Kwacha ($704,000), suspected to be derived from illegal activities.
Hamoonga stated, ‘Additionally, Daliso Lungu, as an individual, has been arrested and charged with the offence of possessing property suspected to be proceeds of crime. This pertains to his possession of 21 motor vehicles, all valued at more than one million Zambian Kwacha, and fixed assets worth over 31 million Zambian Kwacha, all registered under his name.’
Furthermore, Daliso Lungu faces charges of money laundering, with allegations indicating that he laundered more than 23 million Kwacha. Hamoonga revealed that the funds were deposited into the account of Saloid Traders Limited at Zambia National Commercial Bank between September 17, 2017, and January 24, 2022, in Lusaka.
Both Daliso Lungu and Matildah Milinga have been released on police bond, pending their forthcoming court appearance.
This development follows the recent seizure of properties belonging to Edgar Lungu’s wife, Esther, and daughter, Tasila, amid suspicions of their acquisition through illegal means. Supporters of the former president have denounced these actions as a witch hunt, while the government maintains that law enforcement agencies are adhering to legal procedures.
Edgar Lungu lost the presidency to Hakainde Hichilema in 2021, with Hichilema’s campaign heavily highlighting allegations of corruption within Lungu’s administration.