POLICE ARREST LUSAKA BUSINESSMAN OVER SALE OF FAKE PLOTS.

POLICE in Lusaka are holding a prominent businessman for pocketing over K4 million on pretext that he was selling plots around the affluent areas of the nation's capital.

Over 15 clients paid Sylvester Mwanza, the director of Starsite Properties Limited, a staggering sum of K4.7 million after he convinced them that they would get titled pieces of land in New Kasama, State Lodge, Silverest and Makeni.

But after making the payment, what the victims got from Mwanza was story after story instead of site plans or title deeds, while assuring them that the deal would be concluded in a day or two.

When days turned into weeks and weeks into months, with the smooth talking businessman just furnishing them with stories, the victims reported the matter to the Zambia Police Service.

They also turned to Kalemba to warn the public to be wary of shady businessmen roaming the streets of Lusaka.

"Prospective land buyers are encouraged to conduct independent due diligence by verifying ownership documents with the relevant authorities, seeking legal advice before making any payments, and ensuring that all transaction documents are properly authenticated," the affected clients advised in a joint statement.

They called on anyone who may have dealt have information regarding Mwanza's dealings to contact Woodlands Police Station, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), or any other appropriate law enforcement authority.

They accused Mwanza of living a lavish lifestyle from the funds he had dubiously acquired from fake plot sales.

"We urge authorities to trace and recover assets where permitted by law to help compensate affected victims," the victims appealed.

Meanwhile, Zambia Police Service spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi told Kalemba that Sylvester Mwanza, director of Starsite Properties Limited obtained the K4.7 million by falsely representing that he had plots for sale in New Kasama area, when in fact he did not.

Chilabi confirmed that the swindling incidents occurred on various dates between November 2025 and June 2026 within the capital city.

He revealed that Police were yet to charge the 37-year old with various counts of obtaining money by false pretenses, contrary to Section 309,Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

"The suspect is currently detained in lawful police custody and is awaiting formal charges," said Chilabi.

"The Zambia Police Service is appealing to any members of the public who may have fallen victim to the suspect through similar transactions to report the matter to the nearest police station."

By Catherine Pule

Kalemba, July 8, 2026

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