Court rejects journalist, Musonda’s appeal bid in alleged case of corrupt enrichment of K22 million

The Economic and Financial Crimes Court has rejected journalist Faith Musonda’s application for leave to appeal its earlier ruling, which ordered the forfeiture of her properties, valued at approximately K21 million, to the State.

The court had determined that the assets were proceeds of crime.

Musonda, along with other interested parties, filed an ex-parte application seeking permission to challenge the High Court’s December 20, 2024 ruling.

In her affidavit, Musonda expressed dissatisfaction with the judgment, arguing that the case raised substantial legal questions deserving review by the Court of Appeal.

She contended that the appeal had strong legal grounds and a reasonable chance of success, asserting that denying her the opportunity to appeal would be unjust.

However, after reviewing the application and the memorandum of appeal, the court found that Musonda’s arguments lacked merit.

The High Court affirmed that the intended appeal had no realistic prospect of success, given the evidence and reasoning in the initial judgment, and thus denied her request for leave to appeal.

Musonda’s legal battle began after the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) moved to seize several high-value assets linked to her.

Among the forfeited properties are a proportional sum of $144,500 toward a subdivision of Plot No. LUSAK/LN_24982/3 in Lusaka, as well as property in Chisamba and Ibex Hill.

Other forfeited assets included government bonds, treasury bills, fixed term deposits, assorted jewelry, and agricultural equipment.

In her defense, Musonda claimed she acquired the assets legitimately through her work as a communications expert, consultancy services, and proceeds from the sale of a property.

However, the court found her explanations unconvincing due to a lack of supporting documentation.

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