Chinese on defence for bank ATM theft

OLIVER SAMBOKO writes A CHINESE has been found with a case to answer on three counts of unlawful possession of Automated Transmission (ATM) cards, unauthorised access of data and theft. Weng Jin Chang, 36, is charged with three counts of unlawful possession of ATM cards, unauthorised access of data and theft of K17, 500 using Zanaco counterfeit ATM cards. Lusaka Magistrate, Mwaka Mikalile, said she was convinced that the state had a proper case against the Chinese national. “After perusing the records, and considering the state and defence submissions on case, I find the accused with a case to answer and place him on his defence,” ruled Ms Mikalile. In count one, the accused is charged with unlawful possession of a device designed to overcome security measures for protection of data. It is alleged that between May 1 and July 10, 2019, Weng had ATM cards which were designed to overcome security measures for the protection of data. In count two, Weng is charged with unauthorised access of data and is alleged to have accessed data stored in a ZANACO data base. Weng in the third count is charged with theft of K17, 500 from ZANACO ATM on July 10, last year. During trial, Zanaco head of security, Mark Hansingo, 46, testified that all bank premises are installed with CCTV cameras and recorders. He said on 11 July 2019, he received search warrants from the Drug Enforcement Commission requesting for CCTV footage in particular ATM transaction at Mukuba Mall Branch in Kitwe. Mr Hansingo produced a flash disk in court containing footage showing the accused withdrawing money at an ATM. He told the court that according to the ATM report and the footage, the accused made five transactions totalling K17,800. The Magistrate has since adjourned the matter to 10 September for commencement of defence. The Sun