By 
Journalist Faith Musonda has suffered a significant setback after the Economic and Financial Crimes Court ordered the forfeiture of several of her properties, citing their connection to illicit activities.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) successfully petitioned the court, arguing that the assets were acquired through proceeds of crime. Among the confiscated items are:
1. A $144,500 payment towards a Lusaka subdivision (Plot No. LUSAK/LN_24982/3).
2. A farm (Subdivision No. F/1504) in Chisamba.
3. A 0.60-hectare property in Ibex Hill.
4. Government bonds worth ZMW3,140,000 and Treasury Bills valued at ZMW1,100,000, including accrued interest.
5. Fixed deposits totaling ZMW1,219,110.02 with Madison Finance Limited.
6. Assorted jewelry valued between $3,450 and $4,300.
7. Farming equipment, including a TAFE tractor and related implements.
Musonda, who described herself as a communications expert and high-value consultant for international firms, claimed her wealth stemmed from legitimate sources, including property sales, consultancy contracts, and business ventures.
However, the court, presided over by Judges Susan Wanjelani, Vincent Siloka, and Ian Mabbolobbolo, dismissed her explanations as unsubstantiated.
The judges noted that Musonda failed to present tangible evidence such as contracts, lease agreements, or tax payment records to validate her claims.
Even her explanation regarding the acquisition of government bonds through property sales lacked supporting documentation.
The court also flagged substantial cash deposits into Musonda’s accounts as suspicious, with no clear or credible sources of income provided.
Inconsistencies in her statements further weakened her defense.
For instance, Musonda claimed to have purchased her Chisamba farm through a mortgage, yet evidence showed the assignment and title registration occurred months before the mortgage was formalized.
Additionally, financial records from her company, Vintage Services Limited, showed no capacity to generate the substantial funds involved in her transactions.
Given the lack of credible financial records and evidence, the court concluded that the properties were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.
As a result, all identified assets were forfeited to the State for redistribution in accordance with the law.
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