Missing mobile money agent found dead
By a Correspondent
Police in Isoka District have retrieved the body of a 26-year-old mobile money agent who has been missing for three weeks.
Police in Muchinga Province identified the man as Kelvin Simukoko of Malango Village, Chief Kafwimbi’s area.
Muchinga Province police commanding officer Mayamba Lubinda said the body was discovered on Saturday around 12:00 hours in a bush.
Lubinda said Simukoko disappeared on August 31 around 05:00 hours after leaving home without informing his relatives.
“Simukoko is believed to have left home very early on that particular day. The gentleman operated a mobile money booth in Isoka central business district,” he said.
Lubinda said the body was first discovered by an eight-year-old boy who was hunting mice in the bush who later informed the village headman, Blackwell Simwanza, 72.
“The headman mobilised villagers to verify the report before reporting the matter to the police. Police officers who visited the scene found the body lying face-up in an advanced state of decomposition,” he said.
Lubinda said the body was later identified by his uncle, Elias Simukoko, 40, of Muzezi Village, after recognising the grey jersey he was last seen wearing.
Relatives told police that Simukoko was involved in online gambling on Aviator and accumulated debts amounting to K21,000, which was settled by his older brother Rodgers Simukoko.
“He was given an additional K5,000 to invest in his business. However, when his brother returned to Isoka for a workshop, he discovered that Simukoko had continued gambling and had accumulated more debts,” he said.
The body has since been handed over to relatives for burial.
Lubinda said police have opened an inquiry into the matter.
