DEC Press Statement-Sunday, 13th August, 2017

Kamufisa Manchishi

Lusaka, Sunday, 13^th August, 2017-The Drug Enforcement Commission through its Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit in Lusaka has arrested a businessman for attempting to defraud a teacher employed in the Ministry of Education. Mwimba Chitundu, 54, of Zingalume Compound in Lusaka district has been arrested for personation, attempting to obtain goods by false pretences, forgery and uttering of false documents contrary to the laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence are that the suspect, on dates unknown but between 1^st May, 2017 and 4^th August, 2017, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown with intent to defraud did impersonate a teacher employed by the Ministry of Education and attempted to obtain a loan facility of K 28, 000.00 from a named money lending company.

The suspect further presented a false payslip, staff introductory letter, a National Registration Card in the name of Micheal Miti, a teacher employed in the Ministry of Education. The suspect also presented a bank statement from a named bank where he had opened a bank account pretending to be Micheal Miti when in fact not.

The suspect is currently in Police custody as he has failed to meet the conditions set for his bond. The Commission wishes to warn members of the public, especially civil servants, to ensure that they secure their personal and other financial documents to avoid becoming victims of identity theft which is on the increase. The Commission has since set up a mobile number 0955 684343 which members of the public can use to report such cases through Whatsapp, SMS and voice calls.

Meanwhile, the Commission through its Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit in Western Province has also arrested two persons in Mongu district for money laundering activities involving K 91, 590.00

Brian Mutiwa Kalaluka, 39, a Court Interpreter at the Mongu Subordinate Court of Town Area in Mongu/Mulambwa Compound, has been arrested and charged for forgery contrary to the laws of Zambia while Kabanda Mbindi, 49, a Court clerk at Nang’oko Local Court, residing in Limulunga Royal Village, has been jointly arrested and charged for conspiring to commit a felony, theft by public servant and money laundering contrary to the laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offences are that on dates unknown but between 1^st January, 2014 and 30^th June, 2015, Brian Mutiwa Kalaluka jointly and whilst acting together with Kabamba Mbindi and other persons unknown did conspire and forged several receipts for Nang’oko Local Court which were issued to various clients for cash bail, fines and compensation purporting that the said receipts were for Nang’oko Local Court when in fact not. As a result of these activities, the two suspects stole funds amounting to K 91, 590.

All suspects will appear in court soon.

Kamufisa Manchishi

Deputy Public Relations Officer

Drug Enforcement Commission