Police have warned members of the public to be on high alert following an increase in cases of fraudsters targeting people seeking national documents at Government Complex offices.
Speaking during Ya FM’s Crime Watch programme, Assistant Inspector Tembo said police have received several reports involving suspected conmen who approach members of the public while they are applying for birth certificates, national identity cards and passports.
One suspect, identified as “Mr Nyakudya”, allegedly poses as a Government Complex employee and offers to fast-track document processing in exchange for money.
Assistant Inspector Tembo said victims are allegedly persuaded to hand over personal information, cash and, in some cases, mobile phones under the guise of facilitating the application process.
Police say some victims have lost both money and valuable personal information after the suspect disappeared without delivering the promised services.
Authorities are urging citizens not to pay unofficial fees or engage middlemen when seeking government services.
Members of the public are encouraged to deal directly with authorised government officials and report any suspicious individuals operating around Government Complex premises.
Police say investigations into the reported cases are ongoing and have appealed for information that could assist in apprehending the suspects.
