THE State has opposed an application by former first lady Esther Lungu to stay proceedings in a matter in which Director of Public Prosecutions Gilbert Phiri has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Court (EFCC) to forfeit 15 double storey flats worth K24 million to the state because they are tainted properties. When the matter came up yesterday, Deputy Chief Legal Advisor Margaret Chitundu urged the Court of Appeal to order that the hearing of the main matter proceeds, pending the determination of the Court of Appeal on Esther’s appeal on a preliminary issue. In this case, Phiri had asked the EFCC to forfeit Esther’s property to the State on grounds that it was tainted with corruption because it was...