By 
Dalitso Lungu has suffered a major legal setback after the High Court dismissed his application to stop the State from seizing more than 70 vehicles and properties valued at over K23 million.
Lungu, the son of late former president Edgar Lungu, had asked the court to stay execution of its 18 February 2026 forfeiture ruling while he pursues an appeal.
According to court filings, Lungu submitted the stay application on 20 March 2026, arguing—through an ex-parte motion supported by affidavits—that enforcement should pause until the appeal is heard.
His legal team relied on provisions of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act and the Court of Appeal Rules.
However, a three-judge panel of the Economic and Financial Crimes Division—Justices Pixie Yangailo, Ian Mabbolobbolo and Anna Malata—found no merit in the request.
The bench ruled that Lungu failed to demonstrate any exceptional or compelling circumstances necessary to justify suspension of the forfeiture order.
They emphasized that dissatisfaction with a judgment or alleging errors was not a sufficient basis for granting a stay.
“The applicants have failed to demonstrate good and convincing reasons to warrant us to exercise our discretion,” the ruling reads.
The court further noted that Lungu had not shown that he would suffer irreparable or substantial harm if the State proceeded with the recovery process.
Citing established Supreme Court authority, the judges stressed that simply intending to appeal is not enough to delay enforcement.
After briefly reviewing Lungu’s grounds of appeal, the judges also observed that they did not indicate a strong likelihood of success — a matter they said ultimately lies with the Court of Appeal.
Concluding that the State is entitled to “enjoy the fruits of its judgment,” the court dismissed the application for stay of execution in its entirety.
The decision clears the way for government agencies to move ahead with seizing the vehicles and properties linked to the forfeiture order.
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