Lawyers accuse DEC of lying over ECL property raid

Lawyers accuse DEC of lying over ECL property raid

By Thandizo Banda

LAWYERS representing Dalitso Lungu, son of former president Edgar Lungu, have accused the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) of lying after the law enforcement agency claimed that seized property in Libala had been abandoned.

In a statement yesterday, one of the lawyers Isaac Simbeye, said the property belonged to Lungu and had not been abandoned.

“In fact, all property rates for the house were fully paid as of February 26, 2026,” he said.

Simbeye said DEC officers forced their way into the property without any court order authorising their action.

“Our client informs us that, with great shock. The statement issued by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) concerning the break‑in and the forceful removal of safely parked vehicles from the secure premises of the Libala residence belonging to his late father, Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu,” he said

Simbeye described the DEC conduct as purely a break-in.

He said it was shocking that DEC misled the people of Zambia about the ownership of the property and vehicles.

“All the vehicles and other items were securely stored and remained fully intact, with no sign whatsoever of vandalism. On each occasion that an inspection has been requested, he has voluntarily cooperated and provided all lawfully required information,” he said.

Simbeye said DEC officers forced themselves into the premises in the absence of lawyers.

“Despite his unwavering compliance with all law enforcement institutions, our client contends that, last evening, officers who identified themselves as being from the DEC forcibly entered the secured residence of his late father and dragged away locked vehicles and other belongings,” Simbeye said.

He said DEC officers did not produce a search warrant when two lawyers representing the Lungu family requested one during a raid at their Libala property.

” Despite this, the officers proceeded with the search and seized several vehicles and other belongings. They were also made aware that the vehicles in question were already the subject of ongoing proceedings before the Court of Appeal, yet they still refused to desist,” he said.

Copies of documents seen by The Mast confirm that the property in question lawfully belonged to Lungu.

“The DEC’s statement lacks truthfulness and sincerity. The raid has caused him significant and unnecessary distress, despite his continued commitment to cooperate fully and lawfully with all investigative bodies,” he said.