A joint team of Zambia Police and Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority – ZICTA Officers have arrested 20 people in Nchelenge Luapula Province for mobile money scamming.

The Nchelenge based Tokota boys who are known as ‘Impiya shabalanda’ are believed to be behind a scam in which random text messages were sent to different phone numbers informing unsuspecting people about impiya shabalanda, youth empowerment, military recruitment and making magic money to different phone numbers across the country.

Minister of Science and Technology Felix Mutati posted on his official Facebook page stating that through the National Cyber Security Task Force comprising of ZICTA and the Police, twenty (20) suspects have been apprehended in connection with the sending of unauthorized electronic messages to members of the public, adding that the messages comprised offers of social cash transfer funds, magic money, mobile money cash reversals and employment opportunities in the civil service.

Mr Mutati noted that the investigations with technical support from ZICTA using a geo locator (live tracking van) indicated that senders of the unsolicited messages were based in Nchelenge, Luapula Province where the twenty suspects were apprehended from in an operation.

The Minister disclosed that all the suspects are aged between 15 and 27 years and are currently detained in police custody after they were transferred to Mansa, Luapula Division Headquarters where they have been charged with several counts of unsolicited electronic messages contrary to section 62 of the cyber security and cyber-crimes act No.2 of 2021.

“Fifteen (15) cellphones with unsolicited messages sent to members of the public have since been recovered and subjected to forensic examination,” he said

Mr Mutati noted with sadness that among the arrested are boys aged 15 and 17years, a clear sign that these fraudsters are recruiting children, and everyone should all rise and fight this growing scourge.

“All male suspects currently in custody in connection with the charges above are, Albert Bwalya aged 23 of Kashkishi area Nchelenge, Mpundu John aged 19 of Kamwangila village, Nchelenge, Male Juvenile aged 15 of Chandwe village, Nchelenge, Male Juvenile aged 15 of Kashkishi area, Nchelenge, Male Juvenile aged 17 of Shijoni village, Nchelenge, Chibwe Mathews aged 27 of Chandwe village, Nchelenge, Jabo Martin of Elyabo village, Nchelenge, Male Juvenile aged 17 of J kamwangila village, Nchelenge, Male Juvenile aged 17 of Mutono village, Nchelenge, Chitambo Dickson aged 18 of Malulu village, Nchelenge, Male Juvenile aged 17 of Mutono village, Nchelenge, Male Juvenile aged 15 of Nkomba area, Nchelenge, Mwansa Charles aged 27 of Nkomba area, Nchelenge, Chanda Evans aged 24 of Kasumpa village, Nchelenge, Kabamba Emmanuel aged 25 of Mutono village, Nchelenge, Kabwe Aaron aged 20 of Kafufuma area, Nchelenge, Nuncho Edward aged 25 of Dustin area, Nchelenge, Musonda Edward aged 22 of Mutono village, Kombe Thomas aged 21 of Kanyangala village, Mpundu John aged 18 of Kanyangala village Nchelenge,” Mr Mutati disclosed

Mr Mutati mentioned that sometime last month, they did put it on record that the days of fraudsters and scammers in this country are numbered, before the law catches up with them regardless of their location, adding that at the time of unveiling of the ZICTA Board a few days ago, his expectations from them were simply to see a ZICTA, that builds a war against cyber-crimes, a war that will lead not only to issuance of many statements on cyber-crimes but to arrests of all criminal elements behind these scams.

Mr Mutati has since called upon members of the public to make effective use of the ZICTA short code *707# whenever they receive unsolicited messages so that more arrests are made.

On 8th October, 2022, the Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) in collaboration with Zambia’s three mobile network operators – MNO officially launched the *707# code, an initiative to protect customers from fraud and mobile scams.

During the launch which took place in Lusaka’s Matero Township, the Mobile Network Operators expressed confidence that this will be an effective tool in combating Fraud, as the *707# code provides a way for people to report numbers for subscribers involved in illegal activity so that the Mobile Network Operators can take action to stop them from defrauding the innocent public.

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested nine (9) people over various financial crimes involving over K36, 000,000 through its Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit.

DEC has confirmed the arrest of Directors for the National Housing Empowerment Fund (NHEF) for money laundering involving K36, 000,000 through its Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit.

DEC Public Relations Officer Hussein Khan said the Commission has jointly charged and arrested Kamphembele Ngulube a male aged 49 years, Margaret Mabingo a female aged 46 years and Lusuntha Ngulube a male aged 46 years of 168 Acacia Drive Roma Park, Lukasha Flats in Kabulonga and Plot 30029 Twapia Ndola respectively all Directors and Shareholders of NHEF for Obtaining Money by False Pretences.

The offense is contrary to section 309 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia and Money Laundering contrary to section 7 of the Prohibition and Prevention of the Money Laundering Act No. 14 of 2001 of the Laws of Zambia as amended.

“Particulars of the matter are that the three as Directors and Shareholders of NHEF jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown on dates unknown but between 1st January 2020 and 30th September 2022 with intent to defraud did obtain money amounting to K36, 000,000.00 from members of the public on the pretext that NHEF had plots for sale in an area called “Riverdale City” situated in Lusaka’s Leopards Hill Area when in fact not. Members of the public paid for these plots believing that they were genuine plots for NHEF,” Mr. Khan revealed.

Mr Khan said the Commission seized 18 motor vehicles and froze several bank accounts in the course of investigations.

The suspects are on bond and will appear in court soon.

In another incident, Mr Khan has announced that the Commission has jointly charged and arrested a married couple, Aaron Yobe Zulu, a male aged 40 years and Christine Nyondwa Msadabwe a female aged 39 years both of House Number 518/100, Ibex Hill in Lusaka for Fraudulent Transactions contrary to section 197 (a) and (b) of the Securities and Exchange Commission Act No. 41 of 2016 of the Laws of Zambia.

The couple is alleged to have been Providing and Conducting Financial Services without a License contrary to section 6 subsection (i) and (ii) of the Banking and Financial Services Act No. 7 of 2017 of the Laws of Zambia.

The two are also accused of Obtaining Money by False Pretences contrary to section 309 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia, Theft contrary to section 272 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia, Possession of Property Suspected of being Proceeds of Crime contrary to section 71 (i) of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No. 9 of 2010 of the Laws of Zambia, Money Laundering contrary to section 7 of the Prohibition and Prevention of Money Laundering Act No.14 of 2001 of the Laws of Zambia as amended.

“Particulars of the matter are that Aaron Yobe Zulu jointly and whilst acting together with Christine Nyondwa Msadabwe as Directors/Shareholders of Laurence Paul Investment Services Limited, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown on dates unknown but between 1st January 2016 and 30th December 2020, engaged in unlicensed banking services and obtained money amounting to K59, 038, 132. 17 from members of the public under the pretext that the said funds would be invested in securities when in fact not. The couple further engaged in money laundering and acquired the following properties which were registered in their names and those of third parties: several farms in Siavonga, Chirundu and Mpika, seven houses in Chalala and one house in Ibex Hill, as well as several vehicles namely, one Quantum bus, one Mercedes Benz, one Renault Kadjar, one Toyota Spacio, one Toyota Alphard, and three Toyota Corollas,” Mr. Khan said.

The mentioned properties including funds in various bank accounts have since been seized by the Commission as they are reasonably suspected of being proceeds of crime. The suspects are on bond and will appear in court soon.

“In relation to these two matters, the Commission would like to warn members of the public to be wary of empowerment and investment scams and to do the necessary due diligence before putting in their hard-earned funds. The public should take precautions when confronted with investment opportunities that promise returns that are too good to be true.
The Commission has noted with sadness that a number of retirees from the public and private sectors have been defrauded of their pensions by unscrupulous individuals posing as investment agents.

As an investigative agency of the State, the Commission will not stand by and watch fraudsters masquerading as investment experts taking advantage of unsuspecting members of the public through fraudulent investment and empowerment programmes. The Commission has the mandate to fight financial crimes for the public good and it will carry out this mandate with the seriousness it deserves within the confines of the law,” Mr. Khan said.

Meanwhile, in another development, the Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit has arrested an Immigration Officer for theft of Government revenue amounting to over USD $160, 000.00.

“Sibetta Sibetta, a male aged 35 years of Lunzua Road, Kasama Central Town has been charged and arrested for Theft by Public Servant contrary to section 277 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.Details of the matter are that Sibetta Sibetta, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown on dates unknown but between 1st January 2014 and 31st January 2021 did steal a sum of USD $165,900.00 property of the Government of the Republic of Zambia being Visa fees received at the Nchelenge Immigration Office, money which came in his possession by virtue of his position as Deputy Officer in Charge.Sibetta further produced deposit slips purporting that the said funds had been deposited at a named bank when in fact not,” Mr. Khan said.

“The Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit has also arrested Eric Ndhlovu a Stores Clerk at the Financial Intelligence Centre for money laundering involving K108, 800.00. Ndhlovu, a male aged 28 years of Lilayi Area in Lusaka has been charged and arrested for Forgery and Uttering False Documents contrary to sections 342 and 352 respectively of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia, Obtaining Money by False Pretences contrary to section 309 of the Penal Code CAP 87 of the Laws of Zambia, Theft by Servant contrary to section 272 of the Penal Code CAP 87 of the Laws of Zambia, Fraudulent False Accounting contrary to section 326 (b) of the Penal Code CAP 87 of the Laws of Zambia and Money Laundering contrary to section 7 of the Prohibition and Prevention of Money Laundering Act No. 14 of 2001 of the Laws of Zambia as amended.”

Mr Khan said:”The facts of the matter are that Eric Ndhlovu jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown on dates unknown but between 1st May 2022 and 30th September 2022 with intent to defraud, forged twelve (12) payment instructions to a known bank, as payments for (i) Staff allowances to himself as a Stores Clerk at the Financial Intelligence Centre and (ii) Purchase of various goods from a known supplier whose bank account details he replaced with his own bank account details on the payment instructions, purporting that the said payment instructions were duly approved, authorized and signed by the authorized bank signatories when in fact not.”

“Ndhlovu further uttered these forged payment instructions at a known bank where he managed to steal K108, 800.00 through over the counter cash withdrawals and transfers to his personal bank account. He further engaged in money laundering by acquiring a motor vehicle namely a Toyota Mark II, which has been seized by the Commission. He is detained in lawful custody and will appear in court soon.”

“The Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit has also jointly charged and arrested a married couple, Reuben Mpando a male aged 47 years and Romanzi Nkwazi a female aged 53 years of House No. 7202 Frazer Crescent Riverside Kitwe for Forgery and Uttering False Documents contrary to sections 342 and 352 respectively of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia and Attempting to Obtain Money by False Pretences contrary to section 389 as read with 309 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.Details of the matter are that Reuben Mpando jointly and whilst acting together with Romanzi Nkwazi, and other persons unknown on dates unknown but between 1st February 2018 and 31st August 2018 changed the date of occurrence of an accident that happened on the Monze – Mazabuka Road involving a Freight Liner truck registration number ABP 402 and trailer registration number ABRT 17087 on insurance claims documents from 3rd February, 2018 the actual date of the accident to 8th February, 2018. The couple later attempted to obtain compensation from a named insurance company amounting to K550, 000.00 by purporting that the truck and trailer were duly insured at the time of the accident when in fact not. The suspects are detained in lawful custody and will appear in court soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Commission in Lusaka has arrested and charged a Trinidad and Tobago national for Trafficking and Importing Narcotic Drugs contrary to sections 15 and 16 respectively of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 of the Laws of Zambia.

“Zion Sadic Janton Providence, a male aged 22 years was apprehended at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) as he was coming from Brazil via Qatar. After searching his luggage DEC officers discovered cocaine weighing 3.793 Kilograms that was concealed in the false compartments of his two suitcases.”

The suspect is detained in lawful custody and will appear in court soon.

The Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) says it will ensure that locally obtained qualifications are evaluated within 14 days while international qualifications are evaluated within 30 days.

Some ZAQA officials are in South Africa at the invitation of their counterparts from the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA), which was also facilitated by the Zambia High Commission. The officials are expected to discuss challenges facing Zambian students in obtaining the South African Certificate, which is a prerequisite for enrolling at any South African University, as well as other areas of mutual interest.

Speaking in South Africa yesterday during a zoom meeting with Zambian academicians and students in that country, ZAQA Acting Director Technical services, Fidelis Cheelo said the Authority will look into how best to address the identified challenges.

Mr Cheelo says ZAQA will ensure that challenges facing Zambian students are also addressed at the regional level because Zambia has a framework that aligns with that of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) which comprehensively covers all learning achievements and pathways.
“The Zambia Qualification Framework provides basics of improving the quality accessibility, linkages and public or labour market recognition of qualifications within Zambia and internationally.

“I am happy to have this interaction with Zambian students in South Africa and I want to assure them that all qualifications sent to ZAQA will be processed within 14 days,” Mr Cheelo said.

And ZAQA Director of Corporate Services, Mercy Ngoma says the value of the Zambia Qualification Framework lies in its potential to contribute to policy goals such as lifelong learning, recognition of skills and improving the quality of education and training.

Meanwhile, Zambia’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Inonge Mwenya, says she is happy that ZAQA has been invited for the meeting so that the two countries can address the issues affecting the students and can reach a mutual understanding on other issues as well.
Ms. Mwenya said she appreciates the visit as it has also enlightened the students on the process of evaluation.

Ndola City Mayor Jones Kalyati has said the skills development component of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) should be utilised to meaningfully empower youths.

Ndola City Council has officially handed over funds to institutions that enrolled students who successfully applied for skills development bursaries under the Constituency Development Fund of 2022 in Chifubu, Ndola Central and Bwana Mkubwa Constituency.

Dr. Kalyati has told the Central Government that there is urgent need to consider promoting training youths in skills that don’t make them educated loafers.

He discouraged the heavy equipment handling training many youths on the Copperbelt are undertaking using CDF sponsorship saying there is little equipment and the trained youths will just end up with no jobs with their acquired skill.

Dr. Kalyati advocated Agriculture as one of the many viable skills youths can learn using CDF.

The Ndola Mayor has urged the government to support training in sectors such as agriculture for youths that are being supported through CDF.

Dr. Kalyati said this should be done because agriculture is more viable than training in heavy equipment handling when there is little equipment and the trained youths just end up with no jobs with their acquired skill.

He said the component in CDF sponsorship involves training in heavy equipment operations that include bulldozers, frontend loaders and graders among others and the Mayor is of the view that the money being put into this kind of training to a large extent is wasted as those trained end up unemployed.

Dr Kalyati questioned how many graders and other heavy equipment exists to absorb all those trained from across the country.

“Every Constituency is training hundreds per year. Where will they go where they will find such a huge amount of equipment? There is plenty of need for agricultural produce the world over, people are thirsty for tomatoes, people are thirsty for flowers, chilli and a lot more agricultural products,” he said.

He advises that those in charge must take advantage of the presidency opening up business opportunities between Zambia and Congo.

“There’s a huge market for agricultural products, Congo should be the number one market to absorb agricultural products. Agriculture training is very key,” he said.

He added that President Hakainde Hichilema has called for enhanced business between Zambia and the neighbouring country and this must be taken advantage of.

Meanwhile the Ndola Mayor has called on TEVETA to publish all institutions that are legal and can train people on CDF sponsorship.

Commenting on a recent statement issued by TEVETA over some institutions that are purporting to be TEVETA registered but are not, Kaliati said a list should be brought out and investigate and penalise those wanting.

“We should not see criminality happen and let it pass or else we end up being worse than the criminals themselves. We do not want bogus institutions to take advantage of the CDF skills development component to swindle the government.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Kalyati said he is contesting the PF party presidency despite calls from some party members.

“I wholeheartedly express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all comrades in and outside the party who expressed confidence in me and advised that I should throw my weight in the race to the top job of the party with clear thoughts that I stood a better chance to scoop the 2026 presidential bid on my beloved party,” he said.

“I am aware that the world over is looking for the younger generation to take over leadership but also a clear track record of experience, understanding and skill. I surely appreciate and know that I fall within the bracket as a student from the Michael Chilufya Sata School of politics. I chose to concentrate on the role that the people of Ndola have honoured me with. Mine is for now to reassure the people of Ndola with high level commitment to work for them. I will support and work with the one the party will give the mandate to be our leader,” he told Smart Eagles.

“What I however will not rule out is the fact that I am available to work in any capacity my party feels to assign me. Further I advise the one that will be chosen to embrace those that will not make it and help them get positions in the highest body of the party according to their abilities and gifts as this is what will make us strong further. May the love of God be the anchor in the party? I wish to congratulate my fellow mayors and comrades Mpasa Mwaya, Patrick Chishala and Theresa Kolala for having been elevated to the position of Members of the Central Committee of the Patriotic front. I wish them well in their new roles and capacities.”

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development in partnership with Alliance for Accountability Advocacy Zambia – AAAZ and Viamo have launched a mobile phone platform for citizens to easily access information on Constituency Development Fund – CDF.

The CDF information and learning platform has been developed by Alliance for Accountability Advocates Zambia -AAAZ- and Viamo, and the platform will be accessed by dialing a code that will bring information in various local languages.

Alliance for Accountability Advocacy Zambia – AAAZ Executive Director Luchembe Chilufya stated that the platform is meant to spread information on the different CDF programmes.

Mr Luchembe added that the platform will enable people, especially the youths, to be able to easily access information about CDF, as this will also help in contributing to the development of this country.

“I want to thank Viamo for giving us an opportunity to work with them, I think we are one of the risk-taking institutions to working with Viamo who have shown confidence in AAAZ by believing in us and giving us an opportunity to work with Viamo on this project, which will create more opportunities to showcase to the world and this country on how best young people’s innovations can be appreciated and put into good use,” Mr Luchembe said

And Viamo Project Manager for Eastern and Southern Africa Jessica Mayenda stated that the project has been created to ensure that people especially in the remotest parts of the country get information on CDF.

The partnership with AAAZ in aiding the government efforts in spreading knowledge and increasing access to the CDF fund through the Viamo platform.

“The platform is currently only available on the 667 as the short code on MTN and will soon be available on other mobile service providers, the 667 short code is a toll-free innovative communication service that is an interactive voice that can be called to get information on various topics on CDF that one can choose from, the service is toll-free and can be accessed even without having any airtime, this is to ensure that we reach everybody and no one is left behind” Ms Mayenda explained

“The 667 short code is already working, we have content on the platform about CDF looking at the whole procedure and processes starting from knowing exactly what CDF is and how to acquire the CDF,” Ms Mayenda added

She mentioned that this project came into effect after conducting a survey on what people know about CDF and after discovering that people have little or no knowledge on CDF even those in the urban areas with access to smart phones and internet, thus the creation of this platform which enables easy access on information on CDF for all people including those in the rural areas.

“We will continue working with AAAZ to conduct sensitization programmes on how best people can use this platform to have easy access on information about CDF,” Ms Mayenda said

Meanwhile, Local Government and Rural Development Minister Gary Nkombo stated that the platform will help to increase absorption of CDF projects which have had some challenges.

In a speech read on his behalf by the Ministry’s Director Planning and Information Ngoza Munthali, it was explained that the Ministry has been entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the prudent and inclusive administration of the expanded Constituency Development Fund – CDF, it is therefore gratifying to be part of this novel approach that AAAZ and Partners have developed to enhance availability of information on CDF which is aimed at assisting community members to have increased access to information on CDF including the process of completing applications and developing business plans.

“The Ministry acknowledges the challenges in the absorption rate on CDF and existing knowledge gaps, we are therefore glad to note that organization such as the AAAZ and other partners are contributing to addressing these challenges by providing platforms that are inclusive and innovative to capacitate community members in understanding how they can access CDF and also participate in planning and monitoring its utilization,” Mr Nkombo explained

The Minister noted that this is complementary to many other initiatives that the State and other non-state actors are undertaking, and the government is happy to collaborate with other stakeholders on such initiatives, as the government recognizes that they cannot achieve this on their own.

Mr Nkombo has since appealed to other mobile service providers to come on board and include the CDF information platform on their services.