By 
The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has jailed a 26-year-old man who impersonated Police spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, and obtained different amounts of money from people on the pretext that he would get them employed in the Zambia Police Service.
Melos Moonga, who had pleaded guilty to two counts of obtaining money by false pretences and identity related crimes, had been sentenced to two years imprisonment with hard labour.
Particulars are that Moonga on unknown dates but between January 31 and February 28, 2023 in Lusaka, obtained K155 from Moses Simweene and K103 from Naomi Himbole, on false pretences that he would be employed in the police service when infact not. This is contrary to Section 309 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Republican laws.
Between the same dates, he used Hamoonga’s picture on his Facebook page to entice his victims, an offence of identity related crimes contrary to Section 53 of the the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act no.2 of 2021.
Moonga in mitigation pleaded with the Court for mercy as he was a family man, and that he would suffer if sent to prison.
Magistrate Fine Mayambu cautioned the accused, saying he should have thought about his family and school before venturing into illegal activities.
Mayambu said Moonga not only stole money from the public through promising jobs but also used an image of an innocent person.
“Your conduct damaged not only the image of Rae Hamoonga but the entire police force.Dragging him in such illegal activity is damaging to the entire police service,” he stated.
Magistrate Mayambu sentenced Moonga to nine months in each count of obtaining money by false pretences and 24 months for image related crimes.
The sentences would, however, run concurrently.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments