Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
THE Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has urged members of the public to exercise extreme caution when conducting business through social media platforms and online advertisements following a surge in fraud cases involving bogus vehicle imports and fictitious property deals.
In a statement, CID national spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri said detectives from the CID Commercial Crimes Division had arrested several suspects linked to high-value fraud cases in Harare.
She said one of the suspects, Caution Madiro Chikonamombe (31), of Hatfield, Harare, was arrested in connection with three fraud cases involving the purported importation of motor vehicles.
Investigations revealed that Chikonamombe allegedly posed as a vehicle importation agent capable of sourcing and importing cars on behalf of clients.
“In one of the cases which occurred in October 2025, the suspect received US$9 000 from a complainant who intended to import a Honda Grace. He falsely claimed that the vehicle had been shipped, but it was never delivered,” said Det Insp Muteweri.
She said on January 29 this year, the suspect allegedly duped another complainant of US$5 000, purportedly as a deposit for an imported vehicle.
The complainant later realised that he had been defrauded after the suspect failed to deliver the vehicle and reported the matter to the police.
In another case, Chikonamombe allegedly prejudiced a third complainant of US$12 100 through a similar scheme.
The suspect has since been arrested and appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court.
Meanwhile, detectives from the CID Commercial Crimes Division also arrested Desmond Rutsito (42), of Madokero, Harare, and Leeroy Manyange (28), of Zengeza, Chitungwiza, for allegedly defrauding a complainant in a bogus commercial stands deal.
The two allegedly offered for sale non-existent commercial stands in Southerton, Aspindale and Glenroy Township in Harare, resulting in the complainant losing US$151 000.
Det Insp Muteweri urged members of the public to thoroughly verify all transactions before making any payments.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police continues to urge the public to exercise due diligence before making any payments for goods and services. Any suspicious transactions should be reported immediately to the nearest police station,” she said.
Police warned members of the public against making advance payments to individuals advertising vehicles, land or other goods on social media without first verifying their identities, ownership documents and the authenticity of the transactions.
