A 26 year old Congolese National Mathews Hope Sobanuka from Maheba Refugee Camp arrested for impersonation Lusaka’s kanyama Township.
Below is the police statement;
January 27, 2024-
Poilce in Kanyama yesterday Friday, January 26, 2024, at 19:00 hours, received a report regarding an incident of impersonation. Mr. Vernon Muntengu, aged 33 a resident of Kanyama Site and Service in Lusaka, reported that a male individual, identified as Mr. Mathews Hope Sobanuka, aged 26 and of Congolese Nationality from Maheba Refugee Camp, was impersonating a public officer.
Mr. Sobanuka had falsely claimed to be an officer from the Department of Immigration, with his nefarious activities targeted towards unsuspecting foreign nationals who are renowned businessmen. Using threats of arrests related to immigration formalities, his intention was to coerce and amass money from those who would be engulfed in fear.
The incident occurred on Friday, January 26, 2024, around 15:00 hours, in Kanyama Site and Service, as reported by Mr. Muntengu.
The suspect, dressed in a black T-shirt and a black cape labeled “Immigration,” harassed and threatened fellow foreign nationals who owned shops in the community.
Prompt action by concerned members of the community led to the alerting of Police Officers, who swiftly made a follow-up and successfully apprehended the suspect.
A docket for the case has been opened, to formally arrest and charge Mr. Mathews Hope Sobanuka with impersonation. As a law enforcement agency we would like to assure the public that the matter is being thoroughly investigated and appropriate legal action will be taken against the suspect.
We commend the vigilance and cooperation of the community members in bringing this matter to our attention.
We are encouraging the public to continue working hand-in-hand with Zambia Police Service in maintaining the safety and security of our communities.
Rae Hamoonga
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
