THE Drug Enforcement Commission says the abandoned house and several motor vehicles recovered in Lusaka’s Libala Stage 4 do not belong to former president Edgar Lungu.
This follows a verification exercise conducted by the commission on Monday after receiving reports from concerned members of the public about a suspected abandoned property.
According to a statement issued by DEC public relations officer Allan Tamba and seen by Kalemba, officers visited House Number 12 along Mbila Street where they discovered six motor vehicles parked within the premises under unclear ownership.
The vehicles include a white Toyota Land Cruiser, a white Toyota Mark II, two Toyota Corollas, a Toyota Axio and an unregistered Toyota Cresta.
Other items recovered from the property include 12 new R17 wheels, two laptop bags, a generator set, a loudspeaker, a suitcase and a box containing company documents.
“Assertions circulating via some media platforms indicating that the said properties belong to the former president are unfounded, as investigations are still ongoing,” Tamba stated.
The commission has since secured the vehicles and other items as investigations continue to establish the rightful owner of the property.
DEC has further urged members of the public to verify information before sharing it, warning that unverified claims may cause unnecessary panic and stress.
But lawyers representing Dalitso Lungu have disputed the commission’s claims, insisting that the property and items were neither abandoned nor illegally kept.
In a statement posted on the lawyer’s Facebook page, Isaac Simbeye said their client was shocked by DEC’s actions, alleging that officers forcibly entered the secured residence and removed vehicles without a warrant.
“Our client wishes to clarify that none of the properties seized by DEC officers were abandoned. All the vehicles and other items were securely stored and remained fully intact, with no sign whatsoever of vandalism,” Simbeye said.
He further stated that Dalitso has consistently cooperated with law enforcement agencies, honouring all summons and facilitating inspections whenever requested.
The lawyer alleged that despite this cooperation, DEC officers conducted what they described as an “overnight raid,” during which they failed to produce a search warrant when demanded.
“They nevertheless proceeded with their actions even after being informed that the matter involving the vehicles is already before the Court of Appeal,” he stated.
According to the lawyer, documents in their possession show that the property belongs to the late former president and that all property rates were fully paid as of February 26, 2026, disputing any suggestion that the house was abandoned.
The family has since maintained that there was nothing hidden or new at the property, arguing that the matter is already before the courts and should be handled through legal channels.
Meanwhile, DEC said the vehicles have been secured and investigations into the ownership of the property are ongoing, with the public expected to be informed once inquiries are concluded.
By Haggai Hamunyemba
Kalemba March 18, 2026
