By Mubanga Mubanga
Police in Lusaka have detained a 48-year-old man for allegedly swindling 25 people out of K361,777.00 on the pretext that he had iron roofing sheets for sell which he failed to deliver.
And the police have arrested a 37-year-old man of Makeni in connection with the production and circulation of a letter announcing the closure of First National Bank (FNB).
In a press statement, Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, stated that Wisdom Maseka, of Kabwata Site and service, was currently detained at Matero Police Station.
Hamoonga stated that police had been actively investigating a series of cases involving obtaining money by false pretenses.
“As of yesterday (Monday) May 20, 2024 , 25 individuals has come forward with complaints against a suspect known as Wisdom Maseka, 48 residing at house number CH1 Kabwata Site and Service in Lusaka. Mr Maseka has been claiming falsely to be the director of Guangzhou Roofing company and has been collecting money from these individuals under the pretense of supplying iron sheets which he failed to deliver. The total amount defrauded from the 25 complaints amount to K361,777.00,” Hamoonga stated.
According to Hamoonga, complainants made payments to Maseka in the expectation of receiving iron sheets.
However, each time the complainants visited the shop at Buseko to collect their goods, Maseka was not present or evaded them.
Frustrated by these repeated encounters, the complainants reported the matter to the police.
On May 17, 2024, Matero Police successfully apprehended the suspect, Maseka, at his residence and he is currently detained at Matero Police Station and will appear in court soon to face charges to this fraudulent activities.
And Hamoonga has issued a stern warning to individuals engaging in the production and circulation of false publications.
He state that such actions constituted serious crimes under the Laws of Zambia and would be met with stringent legal action.
He explained that on May 20, 2024, the Police received a report concerning a fraudulent letter purporting to be authored by Kapumpe Chola, CEO of FNB Zambia.
He stated that following prompt and thorough investigations, the Police successfully identified and apprehended the suspect behind this malicious act.
“The suspect, Nkandu Kataya, aged 37, residing at 50A/1/5 Makeni Farm, Lusaka, and originating from Village Kabuta, Chief Mulakwa, District Samfya, was detained and has since been officially charged. Nkandu Kataya faces three charges: 1. Making a Document Without Authority Contrary to Section 356(a), Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia, 2. Forgery and Uttering False Documents Contrary to Section 352, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia and
3. Computer-Related Misrepresentation Contrary to Section 52(1) of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act, No. 2 of 2021, Laws of Zambia,” Hamoonga explained.
He stated that the suspect was currently remanded in Police custody pending a court appearance.
Hamoonga reiterated that dissemination of false information, forgery, and other cyber-related crimes were grave offenses.
He stated that such activities not only undermined public trust but also carried severe legal repercussions.
The police spokesperson state that police would continue to pursue and prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law.
He has urged citizens to refrain from engaging in any form of fraudulent activities and to report any suspicious activities to the Police immediately.
Hamoonga stated that the safety and security of the community depended on the cooperation and vigilance of all.
