Fake cops on the loose
By NATION REPORTER SOME unscrupulous Lusaka residents pretending to be police officers are reportedly conning money out of unsuspecting people in exchange for jobs in the police service.
A resident Yobe Banda was promised a job in the police service by one ‘‘Inspector Mbewe” of cell number +260 979533293 who urged Banda to deposit K2,700 in a Airtel money account number +260 976237513 belonging to a Batulani Chilongo.
Despite not applying for the police recruitment programme, Banda was assured of a job once he deposited K2,700 into Chilongo’s Airtel money account.
But police have however denied receiving reports of anyone being swindled by people from the service stressing that the police recruitment programme was free.
In an interview, police spokesperson Esther Katongo warned the public not to be misled by criminals. She added that there was need for the public to be careful of people using fake identities to swindle others. MS Katongo urged the public to report such cases for police to be able to carry out investigations.
“The first thing is for people to report such scams to the police service for us to be able to carry out investigations, ”Ms Katongo said.
“We warn the general public to be careful. No one is allowed to collect money from anyone whether they work for the police or not. We have said this on several occasions, the police recruitment is free and being handled by senior officers. If people are not being careful they risk being swindled by criminals,” Ms Katongo said.