The Zambia Police Service has detained a 19-year-old man 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.
According to a police statement issued on October 7, 2026, the image depicts musician Charles Chomba, 24, wearing a Zambia Army uniform bearing the rank of Brigadier General.
The matter was reported at Kabwata Police Station on October 6 by Chomba, of Jack Compound in Lusaka.
Police allege that between September 25 and 28, an individual created the manipulated image, which was subsequently circulated on Facebook before coming to the attention of the Zambia Army.
Joint investigations involving the Zambia Police Service and Military Police reportedly led to the identification and apprehension of Daudi Ngambi, 19, of John Howard Compound in Lusaka.
Ngambi is currently in police custody as investigations into the matter continue.
Police have warned members of the public against the misuse of AI-generated and digitally manipulated content, particularly material involving defence and security institutions.
The Police Service says such content can undermine public confidence, facilitate impersonation and misinformation, and create security concerns by falsely portraying individuals as members or officers of security institutions.
Members of the public have consequently been urged to exercise caution when creating, sharing or circulating digitally manipulated content and to verify information before sharing it.
Police have further warned that creating or circulating manipulated digital content for unlawful purposes may attract criminal liability under applicable laws.
Further updates are expected as investigations progress.
