A 27-year-old man identified as Michael Tembo of Chimwemwe Township in Kitwe has been arrested for allegedly defacing and damaging a newly introduced K5 coin.
The arrest follows an incident in which Mr.Tembo, acting with unknown accomplices, unlawfully separated the coin’s two layers and recorded a video of the act.
Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, says the video, which was later shared on a Facebook page under the name “Michael Zee11,” featured the suspect referring to the coins as “gongas,” implying they were fake.
The incident is said to have occurred between 13th and 14th April 2025 in Kitwe District, Copperbelt Province.
Mr.Tembo has since been warned and cautioned for the offense of willful defacing, soiling, or damaging of a coin of the bank, contrary to Section 67(1)(f) and (3)(b) of the Bank of Zambia Act No. 5 of 2022.
He is currently detained at Kitwe Central Police Station while investigations continue to identify other individuals involved.
By Nicole Namwinga
