STARDY MWALE LOSES BID TO RECLAIM HIS $2.5 MILLION SIMONGA FARM
By Nelson Zulu
Former Defence Permanent Secretary Stardy Mwale has lost his legal battle to reclaim Simonga Farm in Mazabuka, valued at $2.5 million after the Economic and Financial Crimes Court High Court division dismissed his application to extend the period for permission to appeal against the forfeiture, citing excessive delay in filing the case.
The ruling, delivered on February 9, 2026, by Judges Susan Wanjelani, Vincent Siloka, and Ian Mabbolobbobo, found that Mr. Mwale failed to demonstrate that the delay was not excessive and did not provide strong reasons to justify an extension.
This prompted the court to dismiss the application for leave to extend time within which to file an application for leave to appeal and made no order as to costs.
The forfeiture order against Simonga Farm was made in November 2024 when the same division declared the property to be proceeds of crime, prompting the challenge by Mr. Mwale.
The disputed property had remained subject to court processes since the forfeiture determination.
PHOENIX NEWS