Tobacco farmer Chilufya, sues government over alleged illegal raid, K1.6 million seizure

An Eastern Province tobacco farmer, Chishala Chilufya, has sued the State over an alleged illegal raid on his farm in Sindamisale, Vubwi District, during which K1.6 million was allegedly seized without a search warrant.

Chilufya, a prominent tobacco producer, claims that on the night of June 12 this year, state operatives raided his property without presenting legal documentation and took the cash, which was intended for paying farmers under an out-grower scheme.

In his lawsuit, Chilufya is demanding the return of the funds and compensation for damages and losses incurred during the operation.

“The state operatives included Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) officers reportedly led by Lewis Mfula of Zozwe Police Post in Vubwi and Mathews Mudenda, the District Intelligence Officer of the Zambia State Intelligence Services,” he stated.

He said the two officers, accompanied by unidentified armed individuals, conducted the operation under the cover of night. The money, he added, has neither been accounted for nor officially handed over to the state.

According to a writ of summons, Chilufya alleges that the actions of the officers caused significant collateral damage to the farm, which has since been abandoned. This has reportedly led to widespread looting of harvested maize and tobacco, as well as theft of farm equipment and tractors.

“The total value of looted commodities is estimated at over six million dollars. This includes tobacco, maize, the irrigation system, and various farming machinery,” Chilufya said.

He also accused the Drug Enforcement Commission, Zambia Police Service, and State Intelligence of failing to provide any explanation regarding the operation or clarify what the raid was intended to uncover.

Chilufya now seeks justice and full accountability for what he describes as an unjustified and damaging intrusion on his farm operations.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.