IMPERSONATION AND OBTAINING MONEY BY FALSE PRETENCES – CHELSTONE POLICE STATION
The Zambia Police Service wishes to inform the public of the arrest of a suspect involved in a case of impersonation and obtaining money by false pretences.
On May 15, 2025 at 17:30 hours, Chelstone Police Station through Kamanga Police Post received a report from Mr. Bernard Hatembo, a male adult of house number 288, Nakambala Extension in Mazabuka, currently residing with a friend in PHI, Lusaka.
Mr. Hatembo reported that he had fallen victim to a scam circulating on social media involving a fraudulent Zambia Army recruitment advertisement for the 2025–2026 intake. According to the report, Mr. Hatembo was scammed out of K600.00 via Airtel Money by an unknown individual who claimed to be facilitating the said recruitment.
The suspect later demanded an additional K500.00. The fraudulent activity is believed to have occurred between March 2025 and May 15, 2025, around 15:00 hours.
Following the report, swift investigations were launched and officers from Kamanga Police Post were dispatched to Obama Plaza in Chelstone. This led to the apprehension of the suspect identified as Ephraim Banda, a male adult aged 26 of house number 242F, Chelstone.
Upon his arrest, Mr. Banda was found dressed in attire resembling military uniform which included a green jersey, black boots, combat gloves, a green mask, and a green t-shirt. He was also in possession of a Techno smartphone which contained messages related to fraudulent recruitment applications.
The device was seized and has been retained as an exhibit pending forensic examination.
Preliminary investigations further revealed that the suspect had been falsely presenting himself as a neighborhood officer from Old Chelstone Police Post in order to gain trust from unsuspecting victims.
We wish to caution the public against engaging with individuals or links shared on social media platforms claiming to offer recruitment into security wings. Official announcements regarding such opportunities are only made through authorized government channels.
The suspect is currently in police custody and will appear in court soon.
Rae Hamoonga – POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER.