Zodiak Online Retracts AI image Linked to Sacranie Kidnapping Claims

Zodiak Online has issued an apology to Mr Abel Chinula, popularly known as Abel Cashtime, over the publication of an image wrongly linked to the abduction of Crossroads Hotel Managing Director Sameer Sacranie.

In a statement, the publication said on February 8, 2026 it shared a picture suggesting that two gun-wielding individuals in the image were the abductors of Sacranie and that the person in the middle was the hotel executive.

Zodiak Online has since clarified that the image was an AI-generated picture created by Chinula and previously shared on his Facebook page, and that it has no connection to the abduction incident in Lilongwe.

The publication said it has retracted the image and apologised for any inconvenience caused.

Zodiak Online said the apology reflects its commitment to remaining a responsible and reliable source of accurate and authentic news and information.