FOUR would-be swindlers have learned a hard lesson of not messing with real law enforcement as Lusaka cops put them behind bars faster than Janny Sikazwe could blow the final whistle of a game.
These wannabe con artists, identified as Martin Mulonda, Felix Kasanga, Martin Kabwe, and Moses Lugena, are behind bars after a failed attempt to use fake money to buy a mineral purity testing machine.
The scheme unraveled at a Westwood Police checkpoint along Mumbwa Road.
Like the Wisemen who left the East a long time ago, 25-year-old Andrew Zulu, a sharp businessman from Mpika, reported being approached by the suspects masquerading as police officers.
In the same manner slay queens hide their true forms with fake lashes and heavy make ups to entice men, the fake cops tried to deceive Zulu.
Rolling up in a grey Toyota Axio, they also tried to entice Zulu with a wad of counterfeit cash of US$800 and K23,100 in fake bills in order to acquire Zulu’s prized K70,000 mineral purity testing machine, advertised online.
Little did they know, Zulu wasn’t buying their act – this Easterner was as alert as a bat in the night.
Zulu had arranged to meet potential buyers (including the suspects) at Novera Shopping Mall after advertising his machine online but something fishy about the encounter sent up red flags.
So he refused to go through with the deal. That’s when things got interesting.
The fake cops attempted a daring move and they tried to whisk Zulu away in their car.
He however gave a signal to the real cops stationed near Westwood Police checkpoint which made the suspects’ faces redder than a traffic light as they were apprehended.
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed the incident.
“Upon search of the vehicle, authorities recovered USD800 and K23,100 in counterfeit Zambian kwacha notes, leading to the impoundment of the motor vehicle involved,” Hamoonga said.
“A case docket has been opened, and the suspects are currently in custody pending further investigation.”
Police urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, contributing to the collective effort to uphold law and order in the community.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, April 12, 2024
