Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo
Court Correspondent
A HARARE man who allegedly masqueraded as a soldier and duped job seekers claiming he could facilitate recruitment into the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has appeared in court facing fraud charges.
Hardlife Nyoni (42) appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Ayanda Dhlamini, where he pleaded guilty to fraud charges.
He was remanded in custody to today for pre-sentencing proceedings.
The complainant is the State, represented by Wonder Mundicha of Mutare, who is a soldier stationed at Josiah Magama Tongogara (JMT) Barracks.
Prosecutor Mr Takudzwa Mutyavaviri told the court that on May 12, 2026, at around 3 pm, the complainant received information from his nephew, Tongai Kelvin Makore of Mutare, that Nyoni had approached him claiming to be a serving soldier recruiting people into the ZNA.
The court heard that Nyoni allegedly demanded US$100 from Makore, claiming the money was needed to ensure the smooth processing of recruitment papers.
Following the report, the complainant contacted Nyoni, who allegedly reaffirmed that he was a member of the ZNA and was involved in the recruitment process.
The two initially agreed to meet at KG6 Barracks, but Nyoni later changed the meeting venue to Harare Central Police Station the following day, raising the complainant’s suspicions.
The complainant informed his superiors, who organised a team to accompany him to the meeting in central Harare.
On May 13, 2026, at around 9am, the complainant met Nyoni in town. During their conversation, Nyoni allegedly claimed he was processing Makore’s recruitment papers and asked whether the prospective recruit possessed five Ordinary Level subjects.
Nyoni allegedly further suggested that if Makore did not have the required qualifications, a mortuary certificate could be used instead.
Three of the complainant’s colleagues then joined the meeting and questioned Nyoni. The court heard that the accused had handcuffs attached to his belt but failed to give satisfactory answers regarding his identity and role in the military.
Nyoni was subsequently taken to Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks, where investigations confirmed that he was not a member of the Zimbabwe National Army.
The accused later reportedly admitted that he was employed as a general hand at Gweru Polytechnic and was currently on sick leave.
The complainant’s team contacted officials at Gweru Polytechnic, who confirmed that Nyoni was indeed employed there.
A report was later made at Harare Central Police Station, leading to Nyoni’s arrest.
