Shiwang`andu District Assistant Social Welfare Officer accused of fraudulently obtaining a job as a government employee appeared today in the Chinsali Magistrate Court for plea.
James Lwambo 38 also earned a salary totaling to K110, 206.67 between January 10, 2023 and October 9, 2024 while being employed as an Assistant Social Welfare Officer in Shiwang`andu District in Muchinga Province.
Appearing before Principal Resident Magistrate Peter Mungala for plea, Lwambo is facing nine Counts of forgery, uttering of false documents and obtaining financial gain by false pretences contrary to the laws of Zambia.
The accused who admitted to having understood the Charges, pleaded not guilty to all the nine counts.
Particulars of the offences are that in count 1, 3, 5 and 7 between July 1, 2019 and January 1, 2024 James, jointly and while acting with others unknown with intent to deceive or defraud did forge a Grade 12 certificate, Diploma Social Work Certificate, Bachelors of Arts degree in Development Studies Certificate and a Masters in Monitoring and Evaluation Certificate purporting to have been genuinely issued when in fact not.
The forgery counts are contrary to section 342 as read with section 347 of the penal code chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
In count 2, 4, 6 and 8 with a statement offence of uttering false documents between July 1, 2019, and October 9, 2024, James on an unknown date, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, did utter a general certificate of education examination number 7911740536, Diploma in Social Work certificate, Bachelor of Art in Development Studies Certificate and a Masters in Monitoring and Evaluation Certificate.
Meanwhile, in Count 9 the offense states that James obtained pecuniary advantage by pretences contrary to section 309(a) of the Penal Code chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
Particulars of the offence are that on unknown dates but between January 10, 2023 and October 9, 2024 pretended to have a Diploma in Social Work and deviously obtained a job as an Assistant Social Welfare Officer thereby receiving a remuneration of K110, 206.67.
The Principal Resident Magistrate Peter Mungala adjourned the matter to February 6, 2025, for commencement of trial and the accused remains on police bond.
