NPL impostor cornered
A Nation Publications Limited (NPL) impostor, who of late has been targeting influential people in society to con them, yesterday failed to interview former minister of Defence Ken Kandodo after it was discovered that he does not work for the media house.
The impostor, who on several occasions has been using the names of George Mhango and George Singini, this time called himself Boniface Phiri when he was seeking an appointment with the ex-minister.
According to Kandodo, ‘Phiri’ called him last Thursday, saying he wanted to learn more from the former minister on his plans after losing the May 20 2014 Tripartite Elections.
“He called me to ask what I am currently doing and I decided to cross-check with the officials at NPL to see if indeed they have Borniface Phiri there. At NPL they accepted that they have Phiri, but when the real Phiri was asked whether he sought an appointment from me, he declined and that is when I decided that we set up this person to get to the bottom of what he really wanted,” said Kandodo.
‘Phiri’ arrived at the agreed place yesterday to meet Kandodo, only to find reporters from NPL waiting to take pictures of him.
When he saw the two NPL journalists, ‘Phiri’, whose real name is Yotamu Mhango, wanted to flee the scene, but was forced back into Kandodo’s office where he admitted that he is an impostor and that it was just a mistake for him to use the name Boniface Phiri.
“I am sorry, this was just a mistake. I did not know that I will land myself in trouble by using this name,” said Mhango.
Kandodo told Mhango never to do this again, warning him he will end up in jail one day.
“I could have called the police, but as a parent I want to warn you that you should never do this gain because one day you will be arrested,” said Kandodo.
NPL spokesperson Mc Donald Kadewa said if any person is in doubt about an NPL employee, they should check with line bosses of that particular individual.
“We always have names of senior members of staff in our newspapers on page 4 every day and if one is in doubt with any individual claiming to be working for NPL, they should check the numbers and call the office to ascertain the truth,” said Kadewa.
