AN ex-convicted cop has found himself rebooking free accommodation behind bars after police in Lusaka thwarted a planned robbery which he initiated along with four others.
In a clever sting operation, Police in collaboration with the public foiled the planned robbery which targeted a Chinese national while they planned to impersonate police officers to gain entry to his home.
Addressing the Media yesterday at Lusaka Central Police, commissioner Creto Kanza revealed that the former officer Dabwiso Ngwira, 28, had a history of conviction on forgery charges where he served 18 months in jail.
It seems jail time didn’t do much to reform the ex cop turned criminal as he went back to his vices.
Others rounded up by police included 39 year old Jeremiah Maseko, John Yamba, 46, Moses Chinyama, 33, and Osward Chiti aged 32.
Kanza said they arrested individuals used search warrants to go into homes with police uniforms, deceiving unsuspecting citizens who then became victims to their mischievous ways.
“(Here is) a search warrant. You can imagine, they are in police uniform [and] they have a search warrant,” he said while showing the fake document.
“…if you can see here, it’s not signed by the magistrate. So, unsuspecting people believe that these are police officers who want to search. When in fact, they are just criminals.”
Kanza said during the operation police officers recovered various items that shed light on the criminals’ elaborate plan to disguise themselves as law enforcement officers and rob a Chinese national suspected of keeping a significant amount of cash at his residence.
The recovered items included two pairs of police vests, a full combat uniform, a pair of boots, a walkie-talkie (Motorola), clips used to tie victims, pepper spray, duster coats, a cap, handcuffs, and a fake search warrant.
It was disclosed that the criminals also employed deceptive tactics, such as fake number plates and stickers, intending to quickly replace them after committing the robbery.Â
Kanza said the motor vehicle used in the attempted crime, with the registration BAF3338, was found to have a fake number plate.
Kanza emphasized the importance of community collaboration, urging the public to report any information about criminal activities.
In response to a question regarding measures to combat the production of illegal number plates, the commissioner highlighted ongoing efforts to identify and apprehend those involved in the production of fake number plates.
The authorities told Kalemba that the five are still in police custody waiting to appear in court.
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba March 2, 2024
