Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 16 May, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
The Zambia Police Service has arrested a suspect in connection with a case of impersonation and obtaining money by false pretences, following swift action by officers from Chelstone Police Station.
The arrest follows a report lodged on May 15, 2025, at approximately 17:30 hours, by Mr. Bernard Hatembo, a resident of Nakambala Extension in Mazabuka, currently staying in Lusaka’s PHI area. Mr. Hatembo reported falling victim to a fraudulent Zambia Army recruitment scam circulating on social media for the 2025/2026 intake.
According to the complaint, Mr. Hatembo was swindled out of K600.00 via Airtel Money by an individual posing as a recruitment agent. The suspect further demanded an additional K500.00. The fraudulent activity is believed to have occurred between March 2025 and May 15, 2025.
Following the report, officers from Kamanga Police Post promptly initiated investigations, which led to an operation at Obama Plaza in Chelstone. This operation resulted in the apprehension of the suspect, identified as Ephraim Banda, a 26year old male of house number 242F, Chelstone.
Upon his arrest, Mr. Banda was found wearing attire resembling a military uniform, including a green jersey, black boots, combat gloves, a green mask and a green t-shirt. He was also in possession of a Techno smartphone containing evidence of fraudulent recruitment activities. The device was seized and is currently undergoing forensic examination.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Mr. Banda had been falsely presenting himself as a neighbourhood police officer from Old Chelstone Police Post in order to deceive unsuspecting victims.
The Zambia Police Service wishes to remind the public to remain vigilant and avoid engaging with individuals or links shared on social media claiming to offer recruitment into security wings. Official recruitment announcements are made exclusively through authorised government channels.
The suspect is currently in police custody and is expected to appear in court soon.
The Agency.