Fake Abduction Lands Woman, Boyfriend in Police Custody
A trip to meet her boyfriend in Chingola has landed a 19-year-old Lusaka woman in police custody after she allegedly fabricated an abduction story to deceive her mother.
Zambia Police Spokesperson, CHIPO KAITISHA, says investigations have established that TAONGA BANDA MUMBA allegedly staged the abduction after travelling from Lusaka to meet her 21-year-old boyfriend, JOSEPH FERGUSON, in Chingola.
Ms. KAITISHA said in a statement that the two met through Facebook in September 2026 and subsequently developed a romantic relationship.
She said on November 1, 2026, TAONGA travelled to Chingola, claiming that she was going to visit her grandmother, DYNESS NYIRENDA, but her actual intention was to meet her boyfriend.
Ms. KAITISHA said after meeting FERGUSON, TAONGA allegedly sent a text message to her mother, PHIDES NYIRENDA, claiming that unknown men had abducted her.
She said the alleged abduction was reported at Riverside Police Post, prompting investigations which led officers to trace and locate the two in Minsenga Compound, where they were reportedly staying together.
Ms. KAITISHA says TAONGA and FERGUSON have since been apprehended and detained in police custody for conduct likely to cause a breach of peace as investigations continue.
She has urged parents and guardians to maintain open communication with their children, monitor their movements and take a keen interest in their social interactions, including relationships developed through social media.
Ms. KAITISHA has also cautioned members of the public against sharing unverified information on social media, saying such reports can cause unnecessary public alarm and panic.
She has encouraged people to report suspected incidents to the nearest police station and allow law enforcement officers to verify the facts before circulating allegations.
ZNBC