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A 32-year-old businesswoman from Kamwala South has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for impersonating Lusaka Magistrate Kawama Mwamfuli and defrauding individuals by falsely promising employment at the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC).
The woman, identified as Mary Mwansa, was also charged with escaping from police custody but later recaptured.
Mwansa pleaded guilty to six counts of obtaining money by false pretenses, violating Section 309 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia, and one count for escaping lawful custody.
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Her alleged accomplice, 32-year-old police officer, Emeldah Muswelakwenda, has pleaded not guilty, with her trial scheduled to start on November 25.
In 2023, Mwansa contacted DEC Director-General, Nason Banda, posing as Magistrate Mwamfuli and claiming familiarity with Banda’s family.
She inquired about job opportunities at DEC for her children.
Banda advised that her child should apply like any other candidate and visit him to discuss qualifications.
Mwansa’s “children” then visited DEC and were informed of the application process.
Mwansa subsequently solicited money from various individuals, promising them DEC jobs.
She defrauded Ruth Chiyoba, Dabwitso Banda, Silah Mwambazi, Yvonne Miti, Mwape Musonda, and Cryson Hamuyumu of over K45,000, demanding additional funds under the guise of transportation costs for training.
The victims became suspicious when further payments were requested and realized they had been scammed.
One victim enlisted the help of a Zambia Army relative to apprehend Mwansa.
She was lured to Kalingalinga Mall under the pretense of receiving more money and was arrested.
While at DEC headquarters, Mwansa escaped by jumping over the DEC wall into Sikanze Camp but was recaptured on January 18, 2024.
Magistrate Idah Phiri, who presided over the case, emphasized the damaging effect of Mwansa’s actions on the reputation of the impersonated magistrate and public trust.
“The economy is tough, and people are struggling. Your conduct is unacceptable, and a strong message must be sent to potential offenders,” Magistrate Phiri stated.
Mwansa was sentenced to six months in prison for each of the first six counts, with an additional 12 months for escaping custody.
The sentences will run consecutively from her arrest on January 30, 2024.
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