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In one of its largest forfeiture bids to date, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has dragged Ndozo Lodge proprietor, Chrint Sichamba, his wife Eudora Nambela, and son David to the Economic and Financial Crimes Court, seeking to seize over 140 properties and cash holdings worth more than K700 million.
The ACC alleges that the assets—ranging from luxury real estate to multimillion-kwacha and dollar-denominated bank accounts—are suspected proceeds of crime.
According to documents filed in the Economic and Financial Crimes Division of the High Court, the Commission is applying for a Non-Conviction Based Forfeiture Order against Sichamba, his family, and related business entities.
The Commission is also targeting K11.6 million and US$7.2 million held in various accounts believed to be linked to illicit activities.
The respondents include companies Mulozi Trading Limited, Ndozo Lodge Limited, and the Damaton Family Trust Registered Trustees.
ACC Senior Investigations Officer Clement Chipasha disclosed that investigations were launched in November 2021 following an anonymous tip alleging that Sichamba had amassed a suspiciously large property portfolio—reportedly including 71 houses in Kamwala South—under unclear financial circumstances.
Company records from the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) confirmed that Sichamba is a director and shareholder in Ndozo Lodge Limited, with family members occupying senior roles across related entities.
The Damaton Family Trust, flagged for its complex ownership structure, was identified as a major shareholder with multiple family beneficiaries.
The investigation uncovered a sprawling property empire, with one standout being the Ndozo Lodge complex in Lusaka’s Makeni area, valued at K157.5 million.
The facility comprises a three-storey main lodge, conference centers, chalets, a gym, restaurant, swimming pool, and high-security perimeter fencing.
Property records reveal that between 2007 and 2014, the family acquired only four properties for a total of K498,500.
However, between 2015 and 2021, acquisitions surged, with 22 properties bought for more than K22 million and US$2 million.
The ACC also found that many of the assets were undeclared to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). Despite conducting active business, the companies and individuals involved consistently filed nil tax returns—further fueling the Commission’s suspicions.
According to the affidavit, Sichamba personally owns property valued at K208.9 million—far exceeding any declared income—while Mulozi Trading’s real estate portfolio stands at K255 million, also undeclared.
As a result of its findings, the ACC charged Chrint Sichamba in August 2022 with 26 counts related to possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime. His wife Nambela and son David were charged with 39 and 41 counts, respectively. The two companies were hit with a combined 95 charges.
Investigators argue that the total value of the movable and immovable assets is grossly disproportionate to the known income of the individuals and entities involved.
The ACC is now asking the court to forfeit all identified properties, cash holdings, and vehicles to the state, arguing that they are products of unexplained wealth and a broader criminal enterprise.
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