Two suspects, Patricia Muyambo Magazini and Mandras Muyambiwa, have been arrested in Chipinge for defrauding job seekers of over US$40,000 since 2024.
The pair targeted job hunters in places such as Mutare, Harare, Gutu, Zaka, Beitbridge, and Rusape, tricking them with fake job offers.
Posing as recruitment agents for Mashoko Mission Hospital in Bikita, they managed to deceive many before finally being caught.
Inspector Anos Chindanya, the ZRP Chipinge Urban Officer-in-charge, confirmed the arrest to <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/serial-fraudsters-nabbed-in-us40k-job-scam/">The Manica Post</a>. He said:
<blockquote>
A series of reports at the station, from November 2024 to January 2025, highlighted an increase in fraud cases where perpetrators posed as agents offering assistance in securing jobs as nurses or general hands at Mashoko Mission Hospital in Bikita.
Investigators revealed that multiple complainants’ reports listed the same contact numbers, leading to an investigation into the identities of the users.
The police obtained the suspects’ personal information, location, and communication server details through collaboration with a local service provider.
By triangulating the suspects’ location using boosters, the police tracked them down to Masvingo Province, where upon arrival, encountered the hostile husband of one of the suspects, who was reluctant to cooperate.
After re-contacting the service provider, the police managed to track and apprehend Patricia Muyambo Magazini in Nyika’s Duma location the following day. Her co-accused, Mandras Muyambiwa was arrested in Zaka.
</blockquote>
The suspects were identified by more than 50 victims. During questioning, they admitted to tricking people by claiming to have connections with the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s recruitment team.
They offered jobs as registered general nurses, drivers, and staff nurses, but were only scamming the job seekers. Said Chindanya:
<blockquote>
Magazini confessed to being unemployed and working with Muyambiwa to commit fraud to raise funds for a transportation services start-up. They had set aside US$ 26,000 for this purpose.
An examination of the suspects’ belongings uncovered the SIM cards the complainants had identified as the contact numbers of their swindlers.
</blockquote>
Acting Officer Commanding Police in Chipinge District, Superintendent Godfrey Likalawe added:
<blockquote>
One of the complainants, despite lacking qualifications, managed to convince several church members to send money to the accused via various platforms, including Mukuru, with the promise that their names would appear in The Herald on January 19, 2025.
The accused claimed technicalities would delay the publication of names until January 25, but when this didn’t happen, the complainants reported the matter to the police.
A total of US$ 40,247 was defrauded from all complainants, and the arrest led to the clearance of 100 reported fraud cases. The suspects were taken to court and were remanded in custody.
</blockquote>
One of the victims, Chipo Hlumani from Gaza, Chipinge, shared her experience with one of the two fraudsters. She said:
<blockquote>
I lost money after a prophetess from my church was contacted by Muyambo Magazini, who claimed that she wanted to thank her for spiritual guidance by securing jobs for church members at Mashoko Mission Hospital.
I believed Magazini was a registered agent due to the names and proof of payments she provided, as well as stamped documents from the hospital.
I paid US$540 out of the required US$1 400, but when my child was not called for the January intake, I approached Magazini, whose responses seemed untruthful. I reported the matter to ZRP Chipinge.
After this experience, I advise job seekers to be cautious and visit company offices instead of relying on online accreditation copies without official verification.
</blockquote>
Superintendent Likalawe warned job seekers to be cautious when looking for work. He advised them not to pay for services that have not been provided, especially to people they don’t know or who use anonymous accounts.
He encouraged them to verify and check job postings on platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook before making any payments.

Pindula News

Two people in Chipinge were caught tricking job hunters out of $40,000 by offering fake jobs. They pretended to be hiring for a hospital but were lying. The police tracked them down through phone numbers and caught them. The suspects admitted to scamming people to raise money for a business. Many victims lost money to them. One victim shared her story and warned others to be careful. The police advise job seekers to be cautious and verify job offers before paying any money.

Two Arrested For Defrauding Job Seekers Of Over US$40,000

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has warned people not to trust anyone who promises to help them get a driver’s licence without following the proper process.
This warning follows a video on social media where a woman was tricked into paying money to a fraudster pretending to be a VID official.
The Ministry explained that in the video, the woman sought help from a traditional doctor to recover her money.
The Ministry clarified that the person in the video is not a VID official and his actions do not represent the values of the VID. The statement reads:
<blockquote>
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development is alarmed by a disturbing video circulating on social media, where a woman was swindled out of her money by a fraudster claiming to be a VID official.
It is alleged in the video that the victim engaged a traditional doctor to make good of her loss resulting in the perpetrator being attacked by bees.
The Ministry wishes to state that the individual involved in this incident is NOT a VID official, and his actions do not reflect the principles and values of the VID.
We also urge the public to refrain from engaging with individuals who promise to facilitate the issuance of licences without following the proper procedures.
The Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) has reported numerous cases of fraudsters posing as officials, targeting unsuspecting individuals who are desperate to obtain licences quickly.
We emphasise that the VID does not have agents who facilitate the issuance of licences.
To avoid falling prey to these scams, the public is advised to:
<ul>
<li>Desist from paying money to individuals who promise to facilitate the issuance of licenses without following the proper procedures.</li>
<li>Report suspicious activities to the nearest police station to help the Zimbabwe Republic 
Police apprehend the fraudsters.</li>
<li>Follow the proper procedures for acquiring a driver’s license by approaching the VID and undergoing the necessary driver testing.</li>
</ul>
Remember, acquiring a driver’s licence requires patience, dedication, and commitment to following the proper procedures.
We urge prospective drivers to follow proper procedures to acquire driving licences to enhance safety on our roads.
For more information on how to acquire a driver’s license safely and legally, please visit our website or contact your local VID depots across the country.
</blockquote>

The Transport Ministry warns people not to trust fake officials offering quick driver's licenses. A woman was scammed by a fraudster pretending to be from the VID. The Ministry says the scammer is not a real official. They advise people to follow the correct process to get a driver's license and not to pay money to anyone promising a quick license. The VID does not have agents who help with licenses. People should report any suspicious activities to the police and follow the proper procedures to get a license safely and legally.

Transport Ministry Warns Against Fraudsters Offering Quick Driver’s Licences

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has warned the public about scammers posing as Ministry officials who claim to offer loans, grants, and offer letters.
In a recent statement, the Ministry said that these scammers contact unsuspecting individuals and organisations through email and Facebook, impersonating Ministry officials. They often defraud their targets throughout the supposed application process. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce notes with great concern the continued fraud by scammers who are deceiving unsuspecting individuals and entities by purporting to be officials from the Ministry and offering fake grants and loan opportunities through email and Facebook.
The targeted individuals are being enticed into applying for loans but end up losing their hard-earned monies in the alleged application process.
Fake loans, grants, adverts and offer letters impersonating the Ministry are in circulation. Be warned that these loan and grant offers are the work of scammers and must be ignored.
The Ministry therefore takes this opportunity to advise all stakeholders and citizens that it is not offering loans and grants.
Anyone approached by such a proposition through email, Facebook or any other means must not entertain such offers.
Reports have been made to the relevant authorities and measures are being taken to make sure that the work of the fraudsters is stopped.
Please stay safe and report any suspicious messages. We encourage all concerned to verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce through the Communications and Advocacy Unit on email: info@moic.org.zw/ landline (263) 242 791823/702733/700472/ X Handle @Min_of_IC.
The Ministry regrets any inconvenience caused and appreciates the public’s vigilance and cooperation in combating the scams.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce is warning people about fraudsters pretending to be Ministry officials offering loans and grants through email and Facebook. These scammers are tricking people into giving them money. The Ministry is not offering any loans or grants. If you receive any suspicious messages, do not respond and report it to the Ministry. The Ministry is working to stop these scammers. Remember to always verify any communication claiming to be from the Ministry. Stay safe and be cautious.

Ministry Of Industry And Commerce Warns Of Fraudsters

The Zimbabwe Consulate in Johannesburg, South Africa, has warned Zimbabweans about a fake website purportedly representing the Civil Registry’s Office of Zimbabwe.
In a public notice dated 03 October 2023, the Consulate said fraudsters and scammers are behind the website, www.makombeofficial.org.
The consulate also flagged an organisation called “Zim Connect” which claims to recover lost documents such as plastic and metal IDs, Passports, Marriage Certificates, Birth Certificates, Non-Marriage Certificates and Police Clearances. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
The Consulate wishes to advise members of the public that there is a fake website by the name: www.makombeofficial.org purporting to represent the Civil Registry’s Office of Zimbabwe.
The fake website, which is also published on various social media platforms, falsely purports to provide the general Zimbabwean public at home and abroad, with a facility to apply for all registry documents such as Birth certificates, National Registration Cards and Passports online.
Please note that the fake website is the work of fraudsters and scammers who intend to defraud unsuspecting members of the public of their hard-earned money.
Furthermore, the Consulate is aware of fliers issued by a shadowy organization calling itself ‘Zim Connect’, which is falsely purporting to recover lost documents such as plastic and metal IDs, Passports, Marriage Certificates, Birth Certificates, Non-Marriage Certificates and Police Clearances.
The Consulate further reiterates that it does not have agents who act on its behalf in the provision of civil documents and consular services.
Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to the above-captioned fraudsters.
Direct interaction with the Consulate on this or any other matter of mutual interest remains possible via the following communication platforms: –
<ul>
<li>Facebook page: Zimbabweconsulate Boeing Road Bedfordview</li>
<li>Twitter: Zimbabweconsulatejhb</li>
<li>WhatsApp: +27828249435</li>
<li>Email: admin@zimbabweconsulate.co.za</li>
<li>Website: www.zimbabweconsulate.co.za</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Fraudsters Target Zimbabweans In South Africa

The Zimbabwe Anti-corruption Commission (ZACC) has launched a manhunt for two suspected fraudsters, Andy Baleni (aka Mambondini) and Tinashe Zimunya.
In a statement, ZACC said the suspects lured hundreds of people through an advert they flighted on ZBC Radio Stations, purporting to sell heavily discounted cement.  ZACC said:
<blockquote>
WANTED PERSONS!!! ZACConline is looking for ANDY BALENI, popularly known as MAMBONDINI and TINASHE ZIMUNYA, for fraud.
The last known address of these 2 was 363 Harare Drive Pomona, and both are the Directors of KOFFIE N KING CORPORATION.
The accused persons lured hundreds of people through an advert they flighted on ZBC Radio Stations, purporting to sell heavily discounted cement at US$7.80 per bag.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of these criminals kindly reports to ZACC either via our social media platforms, Twitter, Facebook, or WhatsApp line 0719529483, Or our landline 0242 369602/5/8/14. See their attached photos.
</blockquote>
On Wednesday ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Baleni and Zimunya allegedly defrauded 70 people of approximately US$300 000. He said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned with fraud cases involving the purported sale of cement “on special offer” to unsuspecting members of the public through advertisements on social media and radio stations by a company known as Koffie and King Hardware allegedly situated at 10 Mbuya Nehanda Street, Harare.
The suspects, Andy Baleni also known as Mambo Ndini whose last known address is Flat 3 Glen Lorne, Chishawasha, Harare and Tinashe Zimunya advertised cement on radio and social media platforms at very low prices and alleged special offers thereby luring the unsuspecting transacting public.
Delivery of the purported cement was said to be done within seven (7) days after payment for the consignment.
Resultantly, more than seventy (70) victims fell for the scam and were defrauded approximately USD$300 000-00.
</blockquote>
Asst Comm. Nyathi urged members of the public to exercise due diligence before making payments.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZACC Launches Manhunt For Mambondini

Police have launched a manhunt for two suspected fraudsters who allegedly defrauded 70 people of approximately US$300 000.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Andy Baleni (aka Mambo Ndini) and Tinashe Zimunya used social media and radio stations to advertise cement which they said was on special offer.
Prospective customers were asked to pay for the cement with promises that the consignment would be delivered within seven days. Said Asst Comm Nyathi:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned with fraud cases involving the purported sale of cement “on special offer” to unsuspecting members of the public through advertisements on social media and radio stations by a company known as Koffie and King Hardware allegedly situated at 10 Mbuya Nehanda Street, Harare.
The suspects, Andy Baleni also known as Mambo Ndini whose last known address is Flat 3 Glen Lorne, Chishawasha, Harare and Tinashe Zimunya advertised cement on radio and social media platforms at very low prices and alleged special offers thereby luring the unsuspecting transacting public.
Delivery of the purported cement was said to be done within seven (7) days after payment for the consignment.
Resultantly, more than seventy (70) victims fell for the scam and were defrauded approximately USD$300 000-00.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police is now appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of the accused persons.
We continue to implore members of the public to exercise due diligence before making any payments as this scam is now pointing fingers at the possibility of a pyramid scheme through the alleged sale of cement.
</blockquote>
Arguably, thousands of Zimbabweans have fallen victim to fraudsters over the years. Here are some ways to identify a fraudster:
<ul>
<li>Fraudsters may exhibit unusual or suspicious behavior, such as being evasive or avoiding direct questions.</li>
<li>Fraudsters may create a sense of urgency and pressure to act quickly without giving you time to think or do proper research.</li>
<li>Fraudsters may demand payment or financial information before providing goods or services.</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Fraudsters Disappear With US$300 000 From Bogus Cement Deals

The City of Harare has dismissed false reports claiming that it is offering discounts to ratepayers who settle their bills using foreign currency.
In a public notice on Wednesday, the local authority said the reports are being spread by “unscrupulous individuals” who are defrauding unsuspecting ratepayers, telling them to pay the money and collect the receipts later. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
Please be advised that the City of Harare is not offering any discounts to customers on settlement of their accounts.
False reports have been peddled by unscrupulous individuals duping our clients under the pretense of issuing discounts on USD payments.
Council receipts are also issued instantly and under no circumstances should council ratepayers be asked to leave money and collect receipts later.
Council wishes to advise valuable ratepayers that when the discounts are available, these will be widely publicized and will be issued formally through council official sites.
For more information please contact 242 753000 or 0788654356.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

No Discounts For USD Payments - City Of Harare

ZimTrade has warned members of the public of fake social media accounts created by scammers impersonating its officials.
In a statement, ZimTrade said it has nothing to do with individuals masquerading as an investment firm, encouraging businesses and individuals to join a WhatsApp group. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
ZimTrade, the national trade development and promotion agency of Zimbabwe, has noted with concern the fake social media groups and communities, some using the name “ZimTrade Investments”, as well as the ZimTrade name and logo.
These groups are being managed, and their content is being circulated by persons using the following numbers: –
(+234 803 236 9061),(+27 81 445 8706), (+44 7418 362595), (+1 (573) 518-5091)
These individuals are impersonating as ZimTrade Officials and masquerading as an investment firm, encouraging businesses and individuals to join a bogus WhatsApp group and follow an unreliable link to join the fake investment firm.
As ZimTrade we would like to advise our stakeholders and the business community that we are not in any way associated with these groups and any content generated by these individuals.
As such, we encourage you to ignore their messages as there is a high risk that these are conmen, likely to dupe people of their hard-earned money.
We are working with authorities to establish the identities behind these bogus individuals, and we strongly advise you to report any direct contact to the official numbers provided below.
ZimTrade continues to support its stakeholders in its mandate to energize Zimbabwe’s export growth.
NB:- Please take note of the following OFFICIAL ZimTrade communication channels and numbers below:
Head Office:
188 Sam Nujoma Street
Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 24 2369330-43
Southern Region Office 
48 Josiah Tongogara Street,
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe |
Tel +263 (29) 266151/62378
Eastern Region Office: 
Suite 6 Manica Centre 
118 Hebert Chitepo,
Mutare, Zimbabwe
Tel +263 2020 62843/46
Twitter: ZimTradeAlerts
WhatsApp: +263 78 866 5599
Facebook: Zim Trade Zimbabwe
Email: info@zimtrade.co.zw 
Website: www.tradezimbabwe.com
</blockquote>

ZimTrade Warns Of Bogus Social Media Accounts, Scammers Impersonating Officials

Police have dismissed as fake the recruitment message circulating on social media.
ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi on Thursday warned the public that the purported recruitment message could be the work of fraudsters whose aim is to steal money from people.
In a statement, Asst Comm reiterated that ZRP does not use third parties for recruitment. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police dismisses a false message which is circulating on social media platforms on alleged 2023/ 2024 massive police applicants recruitment process.
Members of the public and all potential applicants are advised to ignore this fake message.
The public should not submit application letters, life history, copies of identity documents and educational qualifications, to anyone, third party or Officer-in-Charge at a Police Station on or before 07th May 2023, as alleged in the false message.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police assures the public that formal communication will be made accordingly, through the appropriate media channels, when the normal recruitment process is rolled out and open to potential applicants to submit the relevant documents.
Meanwhile, the police has launched full-scale investigations into the import and origins of the message.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that it does not engage third parties to conduct recruitment on its behalf.
The public is strongly advised to be wary of these unscrupulous elements and therefore report at any nearest police station or contact the National Complaints Desk on telephone number (242) 703631 on the activities of these criminals who in most cases intend to dupe innocent members of the public of their money.
</blockquote>

ZRP Dismisses Recruitment Message

The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has warned its customers that there are fraudsters sending emails to them pretending to be ZINWA officials saying their accounts are on the verge of being closed.
In a public notice issued this Wednesday, 21 December 2022, ZINWA urged its customers to ignore the emails and to continue making payments into the ZINWA accounts they have been using. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
It has come to the attention of the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) that there are some individuals sending out emails to ZINWA clients purporting that ZINWA bank accounts are on the verge of being closed and directing the clients to make payments into bank accounts provided in the emails.
ZINWA wishes to inform its clients and stakeholders that at no point; had its accounts been closed or threatened with closure.
Individuals sending out those emails are not ZINWA representatives and may harbour criminal intentions.
Clients are therefore advised to continue making payments into the ZINWA accounts they have been using and ignore the emails emanating from these unknown individuals.
When in doubt, clients are advised to contact their respective ZINWA Service Centre personnel or the Call Centre on its WhatsApp number 0774 674 333 or alternatively report to the police.
</blockquote>

Fraudsters Target ZINWA Customers, Threaten Closure Of Accounts

ZANU PF has warned members of the public to be wary of fraudsters who are sending text messages to people claiming that the recipient has won farming implements from the ruling party.
In a statement, ZANU PF Director for Information and Publicity, Tafadzwa Mugwadi, said the party does not run a lottery.
He warned those behind the messages that the long arm of the law shall eventually catch up with them. Said Mugwadi:
<blockquote>
ZANU PF wishes to advise members of the public to be on alert in the wake of conmen fleecing and extorting unsuspecting Zimbabweans, by lying to them through cellphone messages that they have won tractors or farming implements. For the record, the Party does not run any lottery. 
Those are conmen and conwomen who are abusing the good name of the Party to fleece the public.
We encourage members of the public to report these unscrupulous thieves to the nearest law enforcement agents.
Investigations are ongoing and those behind such shenanigans shall account for their actions in the fullness of time.
Advise your relatives and friends to be on the look before they fall prey to these conmen and conwomen.
</blockquote>

ZANU PF Distances Itself From "Tractors Competition" Messages

The Ministry of Health and Childcare (MoHCC) has warned members of the public about a fake Nurse Aid Intake advert circulating on social media.
The fake advert, purportedly issued by MoHCC, sets 28 October 2022 as the registration deadline and invites applications to register on mobile phone number 0779091530.
The Ministry of Health has distanced itself from the advert, saying it is the work of fraudsters who are trying to fleece unsuspecting people of their money. It said:
<blockquote>
MoHCCZim wishes to advise members of the public that it has NOT advertised for any Nurse Aid Intake as purported by a Fake Advert making the rounds across some social media platforms.
Members of the public are also hereby warned to be wary of fraudsters who are bent on fleecing unsuspecting people of their money in the guise of such adverts.
</blockquote>

FAKE: Ministry Of Health Has Not Advertised Nurse Aid Intake

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) has exposed fraudsters who claim to be able to facilitate the recruitment and transfer of teachers.
The Ministry said the fraudsters advertise their “services” on social media and use a WhatsApp number +263717496130 with a WhatsApp group named “Teaching posts n transfer”.
It added that the scammers charge a fee to facilitate the purported recruitment and transfer. Said MoPSE:
<blockquote>
Stay alert, stay awake. Do not be duped by corrupt elements using +263717496130 with a WhatsApp group named “Teaching posts n transfer” purporting to facilitate recruitment and transfers for a fee. Resist, reject and report corruption.
</blockquote>

Fraudsters Target Unemployed Teachers And Those Seeking Transfers

Simbisa Brands has warned job-seekers of fraudsters who claim to be offering jobs in the company’s subsidiaries for a fee.
In a public notice, Simbisa Brands named one Mr Muchemwa, who claims to be Director of either Pizza Inn or Chicken Inn, as one of the fraudsters. The notice read:
<blockquote>
Simbisa Brands would like to advise members of the public that there are individuals making false promises of employment, in exchange for payment, purportedly on behalf of the business.
We have received reports of such incidences which involve job-seekers getting messages from a cell phone number 0786713607 or from a purported Mr Muchemwa, who claims to be Director of either Pizza Inn or Chicken Inn.
In the interests of protecting the public, Simbisa Brands has reported the misrepresentation to the Police and we encourage any members of the public who encounter such offers to also do the same.
As a matter of policy, Simbisa Brands will never request applicants to make any form of payment to business either directly or through third parties in exchange for employment.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

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