A 44-year-old electrician of Jack Compound has been dragged to court for allegedly pretending to be a ZESCO employee and diverting electrical power to a house in 10 Miles.

In this matter, Joseph Banda is jointly charged with Jeremiani Nkhoma, 45, of Matero, also an electrician, with three counts of personating a public officer, attempted fraudulent appropriation of power and failing to account for possession of property reasonably suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained.

In the first count, it is alleged that Joseph Banda on February 4, this year, with intent to defraud, falsely represented himself to Jean Marie Manirakiza as a person employed by ZESCO Limited assumed to do acts by virtue of such employment, when in fact not.

In the second count, it is alleged that on the same date, Banda and Nkhoma whilst acting together attempted to fraudulently obstruct or divert electrical power to the house of Manirakiza of Plot no.53 off Great North Road, 10 Miles, property of ZESCO.

And in the third count, it is alleged that the two on the same date had in their possession 90 metres of duplex cable, four prepaid meters, two poles and 210 metres of conductor wires, property reasonably suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained.

The matter has been allocated to magistrate Felix Kaoma and the accused are expected to take plea soon.

Meanwhile, a 25-year-old IT Specialist has also been dragged to court for personating a police officer.

Isaac Muzata of Kabanana Site and Service is charged with two counts of extorting and personating a public officer.

In the first count, it is alleged that on dates unknown but between May 1, 2019 and May 16, 2019, Muzata with intent to extort money from Fredrick Wamulume and William Mwamba, accused or threatened to accuse the two to have committed an offence.

In the second count, it is alleged that on the same dates, Muzata with intent to extort money from Wamulume and Mwamba, allegedly falsely presented himself to be a public officer in the Zambia Police Service when in fact not.