The Zambia Police Service has detained a 19-year-old Lusaka resident in connection with an alleged identity theft and impersonation case involving an AI-generated image of a local musician dressed in a Zambia Army uniform. The police said investigations were instituted after an image circulated on social media depicting local musician Charles Chomba wearing a Zambia […]

The Zambia Police Service has detained a 19-year-old Lusaka resident in connection with an alleged identity theft and impersonation case involving an AI-generated image of a local musician dressed in a Zambia Army uniform.

The police said investigations were instituted after an image circulated on social media depicting local musician Charles Chomba wearing a Zambia Army uniform bearing the rank of Brigadier General.

According to a press statement issued by Zambia Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi on October 7, 2026, the image is suspected to have been generated using artificial intelligence (AI).

Police said the matter was reported at Kabwata Police Station on October 6, 2026, by Chomba, aged 24, who is a local musician from Jack Compound in Lusaka.

It is alleged that between September 25 and 28, 2026, an individual created the digitally manipulated image portraying Chomba as a senior Zambia Army officer before the image was circulated on Facebook.

The image subsequently came to the attention of the Zambia Army, prompting investigations by the Zambia Police Service in collaboration with the Military Police.

During the joint investigations, police identified Daudi Ngambi, aged 19, of John Howard Compound in Lusaka, as a suspect in the matter.

Ngambi was subsequently apprehended and remains in police custody as investigations continue.
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The police have described the case as an example of the potential risks associated with the misuse of AI-generated and digitally manipulated content, particularly when such material involves defence and security institutions.

According to Chilabi, manipulated content of this nature can undermine public confidence, facilitate impersonation and misinformation, and create security concerns by falsely portraying individuals as members or officers of security institutions.

The Zambia Police Service has therefore urged members of the public to exercise caution and responsibility when creating, sharing or circulating digitally manipulated content.

Police have also advised the public to verify information before sharing it on social media platforms, warning that the creation or circulation of digitally manipulated content for unlawful purposes may attract criminal liability under applicable laws.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the Zambia Police Service said further updates will be provided as the matter progresses.

The case highlights growing concerns surrounding the use of artificial intelligence to create convincing images of real people and the potential consequences when such content is circulated as genuine.

With AI-generated images becoming increasingly accessible, authorities are urging social media users to be more careful about the content they create and share, particularly where it involves public institutions, security personnel or other sensitive matters.

For now, the suspect remains in police custody while investigations continue, and the allegations against him have not yet been determined by a court.