Reported by: S. Ernest.
Date: 11th February, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has formally charged and arrested Mrs. Tasila Lungu Mwansa, Member of Parliament for Chawama Constituency, in connection with alleged financial crimes.
The charges relate to Possession of Property Reasonably Suspected to be Proceeds of Crime and Money Laundering, both of which are violations under Zambian law.
Details of the Charges:
Count 1: Possession of Property Suspected to be Proceeds of Crime
According to DEC, Mrs. Mwansa, acting jointly with unknown individuals, is alleged to have possessed Kumawa Ranch, a real estate property located at Property No. F/2278 in Sinda District, Eastern Province, with an estimated value of ZMW 8,840,098.00.
The Commission asserts that she has been unable to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the source of funds used to acquire the property. This offense is in violation of Section 71 of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act of 2010.
Count 2: Money Laundering
In the second charge, DEC alleges that Mrs. Mwansa engaged in money laundering by utilizing Kumawa Ranch for commercial activities, including game rearing and farming, while being aware that the property was potentially acquired through illicit means.
This constitutes an offense under Section 7 of the Prohibition and Prevention of Money Laundering Act No. 14 of 2001, as amended by Act No. 44 of 2010.
Judicial Proceedings and Prior Legal Action
This latest development follows an earlier Non-Criminal Forfeiture case, in which the State pursued legal proceedings against Kumawa Ranch itself.
However, based on further investigations and newly gathered evidence, DEC has now initiated criminal proceedings against Mrs. Mwansa as the property’s owner.
Mrs. Mwansa has been released on Police Bond and awaits the commencement of judicial proceedings.
The DEC has reaffirmed its commitment to professional and impartial law enforcement, urging the public to continue reporting suspicious financial activities to aid in the detection and prevention of economic crimes.
For further updates, members of the public are encouraged to remain informed as the case progresses through the judicial system.
Picture Credit: Andy luki jr Photography
Drug Enforcement Commission
The Agency