Court rejects application to suspend forfeiture of Muchemwa’s properties

The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has rejected an application to suspend the forfeiture of properties belonging to Francis Muchemwa, an incarcerated Patriotic Front party member.

Muchemwa’s lawyers had sought to suspend the forfeiture order pending the determination of his appeal and sentencing before the High Court.

However, Lusaka Chief Resident Magistrate Davies Chibwili declined the application after considering the arguments presented.

Magistrate Chibwili cited Section 331 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which anchored the application and questioned the purpose of suspending the order.

He noted that the properties in question had been in the custody of the state since the convicts were arrested.

“The suspension of the order would serve no purpose, as the properties would still remain in the custody of the state,” stated Magistrate Chibwili.

Muchemwa was convicted of possessing properties obtained through proceeds of crime and sentenced to three years imprisonment with hard labor.

Additionally, Muchemwa was fined K141,400 and his two companies were fined a total of K800,000.

The forfeited assets included properties L/26393/M, L/26394/M, and a motor vehicle BAR 9059 ZM, which will remain in the custody of the state.

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