Police in Lusaka have arrested a 42-year-old man for allegedly forging President Edgar Lungu and his press aide Amos Chanda’s signatures and obtaining money by false pretences.

In a statement, Tuesday, Zambia Police Spokesperson Esther Katongo disclosed that Richard Joseph Mutale of Makeni residential area forged Chanda’s signature purporting that the latter had written and signed a letter dated 13th March, 2019, addressed to named trucking company director, in which he was demanding payment of K10, 000 for fixing an appointment with the President.

Katongo stated that Mutale, who is currently in police custody, had been charged with offences of forgery; uttering a false documents and obtaining money by false pretences contrary to section 342, 352 and 309 Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia respectively.

“Richard Joseph Mutale is alleged to have forged the signature of the Special Assistant to the President (Press and Public Relations), Mr. Amos Chanda purporting that Mr. Amos Chanda had written and signed a letter dated 13th March, 2019 addressed to the Managing Director for Truck and Trailer Sales Ltd, a company based in the United Kingdom for a business appointment with the Head of State and demanding a payment for fixing an appointment. Using the said forged letter, Richard Joseph Mutale obtained K10, 000=00 from the General Manager of Truck and Trailer Sales Ltd and later issued him with a forged General Receipt as payment for Presidential Appointment for non-Zambians,” Katongo stated.

She stated that when his house was searched, police found documents bearing President Lungu’s forged signature.

“Upon arrest, a search was conducted and the suspect was found in possession of various forged documents among them were documents bearing forged signatures of the Republican President, His Excellency- Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu. The suspect is detained in police custody and will appear in court soon,” stated Katongo.