Lusambo tricks Zambezi MP into paying K850,000 for seized house

OBTAINING MONEY BY FALSE PRETENCES

THE Zambia Police Service at Woodlands Police Station received a report of obtaining money by false pretenses involving an alleged fraudulent property sale on October 15,2024.

The report was made by Mr. Brian Kambita, Honourable Member of Parliament for Zambezi East Constituency, residing at House No. 42, Joseph Kabwe Crescent, PHI.He reported that Mr. Bowman Lusambo of Chamba Valley allegedly obtained cash amounting to K850,000.00 under the pretense of selling him a house situated in Silverest, Plot No. 28473/M, Subdivision A288. The alleged transaction occurred between August 23, 2024, around 12:00 hours, and September 12, 2024, around 14:00 hours within Lusaka.

In August 2024, Mr. Bowman Lusambo, former Member of Parliament for Kabushi Constituency, allegedly approached Mr. Kambita with an offer to sell four-bedroom house in Silverest, complete with modern fittings, which he claimed was valued at K850,000.00. Mr. Lusambo reportedly showed Mr. Kambita photos of the house on his cellphone. A site visit to Silverest was subsequently conducted, though the house was locked. When questioned, Mr. Lusambo explained that the house was occupied by his elder brother, who was currently on the Copperbelt.

Due to the interest generated, Mr. Kambita initially paid Mr. Lusambo K400,000.00 on August 23, 2024, with a final installment of K450,000.00 made on September 12, 2024, totaling K850,000.00. A sale contract was drafted, and Mr. Kambita was assured that the title deed would be transferred to his name in due course. However, after repeated follow-ups, Mr. Kambita was informed that the property had issues with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and could not be legally sold.

In response to this setback, Mr. Lusambo handed Mr. Kambita two title deeds, neither of which bore Mr. Kambita’s name, as surety while awaiting a refund. Mr. Kambita later discovered that the same property had allegedly been sold in a similar manner to another Member of Parliament, leading him to report the matter to the police.

A docket of the case has since been opened, and investigations are underway.
The Zambia Police Service wishes to remind the public to exercise caution in all property transactions and to ensure that proper due diligence and verification of ownership are conducted before making any financial commitments.

RAE HAMOONGA.
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER.