DPP seeks forfeiture of over 2,000 logs in major illegal logging case

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Gilbert Phiri, has initiated a legal case against Sena Plus Investment Limited over alleged widespread illegal logging activities.

In a motion filed with the Economic and Financial Crimes Court (EFCC), the DPP seeks a full forfeiture of over 2,000 logs and equipment reportedly used in illegal logging operations.

The DPP’s application calls for the immediate seizure of 1,898 Mopane logs, 152 Mukwa logs, 19 Mupapa logs, and 40 timber planks, along with heavy machinery, including a forklift and four wood misers, all believed to have been used in the illicit operations.

The DPP is also moving to seize Sena Plus’s premises in Lusaka, trucks, and additional assets linked to its operations.

Nixon Shakantu, an investigations officer from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, stated in an affidavit that he began investigating the company’s involvement in illegal forest harvesting in late October.

A joint team from the National Parks and Wildlife Department and the Forestry Department is said to have conducted a detailed inspection at Sena Plus, uncovering significant illegal practices.

Investigators reportedly found that most logs on the premises were unmarked, a direct breach of forestry regulations.

Large quantities of unmarked timber were allegedly mixed with legitimate stock, along with machinery that appeared to be used for log processing and transport.

When questioned, the company’s owner, Wang Xue Xin, reportedly admitted his primary focus was on obtaining documentation, rather than ensuring compliance with log-marking requirements.

As a result, the DPP ordered the seizure of all assets linked to these activities, deeming them proceeds of crime.

Shakantu’s findings further confirmed that the logs were of Mopane, Mukwa, and Mupapa species, which are protected under Zambian law.

Wang now faces multiple charges under the Forest Act No. 4 of 2015, including illegal possession of forest products and the mixing of marked and unmarked timber.

These offences, the DPP argued, warrant full forfeiture of all related assets.

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