DPP seeks forfeiture of 62 Mopane logs, truck from convicted Chinese national, associates

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has filed an application with the Economic and Financial Crimes Court, seeking to forfeit 62 Mopane Coleosperma logs and a Volvo truck from Chinese national, Huang Xuesheng, and his associates.

This action followed suspicions that these assets were “tainted property” resulting from illegal activities.

The case implicates Brian Mutango, Robert Muyunda, and Huang Xuesheng as key figures in possession and handling of the assets, which included 62 Mopane logs, a Volvo truck (registration BLC 2149), and two trailers (registration BLC 3539 and BLC 3538).

In a sworn affidavit, Nixon Shakantu, an investigation officer with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, outlined details of the seizure.

The investigation, which began on August 20, 2024, found the truck and its trailers parked at Elias Truck Park on the Lusaka-Chirundu road, allegedly loaded with the illegal forest products.

According to Shakantu’s inquiry, Mutango and Muyunda were in possession of the truck.

The Mopane logs were traced back to Sena Plus Investments, located in Lusaka’s Chinika industrial area.

Security guard, Adam Kabambala, testified that the logs were loaded onto the truck under Xuesheng’s supervision, with Mutango identified as the driver.

When questioned, Mutango, Muyunda, and Xuesheng could not produce any documentation permitting them to harvest, transport, or handle the logs.

Shakantu argued that the absence of permits violates sections 53(1) and 89 of Zambia’s Forest Act No. 4 of 2016, as well as Section 71 of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act.

The investigation revealed that the same truck had previously been seized in May 2024 for illegally transporting Mopane logs, though it was later returned to a third-party claimant.

Given the repeated legal breaches, Mutango, Muyunda, and Xuesheng were formally charged, and subsequently pleaded guilty.

They have now been convicted on these charges, reflecting the State’s stance against illicit logging activities.

The DPP has requested the forfeiture of the 62 Mopane logs, the Volvo truck, and trailers, asserting that these assets, acquired through illegal exploitation, should not be allowed to return to private ownership.

The State emphasized that such offenses against environmental and economic laws were severe and require firm action.

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