Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
TWO suspected fraudsters have been arrested with more than 300 application letters for nursing vacancies.
The two also had FAKE recommendation letters from politicians and Government officials.
The suspects allegedly told police they charged each applicant US$200 to transport the letters. They allegedly said that an applicant was supposed to pay US$1,500 once a place was secured.
Munashe Ngarande (32), of Muchero Village, Seke, Chitungwiza, and Emmanuel Kudakwashe Ngarande (55), of 11621 Samaita Crescent, Glen View 7, Harare, were nabbed at a police roadblock.
They were travelling to submit applications at Murambinda Mission Hospital in Buhera.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the arrests.
He said the men had application letters with fake recommendations intended for various nursing training institutions across the country. “On September 28, 2026 at around 7pm the accused persons arrived at a road block site at the 82km peg along Nyazura- Chivhu Highway and were stopped by police officers manning the roadblock.
“They were driving a Toyota Ipsum (ADH 9187).
“During the search, 30 khaki envelopes were discovered from the back of the driver’s seat.
“They were containing application letters by applicants intending for various institutions for nursing training.
“Attached to the application letters were forged recommendation letters from different Government ministries.
“The accused persons were interviewed and indicated that they were acting as agencies for all the applicants who were looking for vacancies to train as nurses.
“They further indicated that they had charged US$200 for each applicant for transporting the letters and US$1,500 once the applicant was admitted for training.
“Investigations are still in progress,” said Ass-Insp Chinyoka.
Meanwhile, a City of Harare municipal police officer is being accused of duping a workmate of US$5,260.
Rumbidzai Chigara (37) allegedly claimed she had won US$40,000 through online betting and needed money to unlock the winnings.
The State alleges that Chigara and the complainant worked together in Mbare.
It is alleged that on August 6, Chigara visited her colleague at her home in Ruwa and told her that she had won US$40,000 through online betting games.
She allegedly claimed she could not access the jackpot through EcoCash because she had reached her withdrawal limit and urgently needed US$5,260.
The complainant allegedly handed her US$5,260. The State says the US$5 260 has not been recovered.
Prosecutors are opposing bail.
