……Fleeces Job Seekers
By Delicious Mathuthu
Gweru – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is on a manhunt for a scammer impersonating a senior Midlands provincial government official swindling desperate job seekers of hundreds of United States dollars.
The alleged fraudster, impersonating Midlands Provincial Co-ordinator for the Public Service Commission (PSC), Andrew Chimanyiwa, reportedly demands US$300-400 for fake civil service employment or favorable postings.
The alleged identity thief is said to be using multiple cell phone numbers which include 0711 357 131, 0713 688 680, 0710 305 422 and fake EcoCash and InnBucks accounts.
So far, police say, six people have fallen prey to the scam in Kwekwe, Gweru, Zvishavane, and other provinces.
“Victims are instructed to deposit money in Eco cash number 0787 332 912 or Inn bucks accounts with different names.
“So far six cases have been reported. In some cases, the fraudsters have not been successful as the targeted victims decide to call complainant Andrew Chimanyiwa to verify before depositing the requested amounts,” Midlands Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said.
Police have since warned the public, and only have a photograph of one suspected fraudster privately snapped by one of his potential victims in Marondera after a physical meeting.
“May the public be alert and help us locate and arrest persons behind this case.
“In Marondera a fraudster using the same method physically approached a victim and a photograph was privately taken.
“May those with information that can help in the case, alert any Police Station,” Inspector Mahoko said.
The genuine Andrew Chimanyiwa has since reported the incident and also warned job seekers to verify information through official channels.
The suspected identity thief
