Man Arrested in Monkey Bay for Scamming Airtel Money Agent
Published on February 11, 2026 at 7:29 AM by Edgar Naitha
Police in Monkey Bay have arrested one suspect in connection with a fraud case in which a young Airtel Money and Mpamba agent was robbed of K717,752.
Monkey Bay Police spokesperson Alice Sichali confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect was intercepted at Mtakataka Turn-Off Road after the victim reported the matter.
According to information gathered by Zodiak Online, the suspect, identified as James Alidi, allegedly posed as a fortune teller and approached the young woman at her shop. He reportedly convinced her that he had the ability to magically multiply her money.
Believing his claims, the woman handed over K717,752 to him. In return, Alidi gave her a black plastic sheet which he claimed contained the increased amount of money.
After he left the scene in a vehicle, the woman opened the plastic sheet and discovered that it contained only cut pieces of paper instead of cash.
She quickly informed a neighbour, who alerted police officers stationed at Mtakataka Turn-Off Road. The officers managed to intercept the vehicle and arrest the suspect.
Police say a search of the vehicle led to the recovery of amulets allegedly used in carrying out the scam.
Investigations are ongoing, and the suspect is expected to appear in court soon.
