Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
GOVERNMENT has raised alarm over a surge in fraud cases involving individuals impersonating Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga and his wife, Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi Chiwenga, in a scheme aimed at extorting money and sensitive information from unsuspecting members of the public.
In a statement, Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr George Charamba said the imposters are using foreign-registered telephone numbers, particularly from South Africa and Nigeria, to target both Zimbabwean and foreign nationals.
Mr Charamba said the scammers have been using several numbers, including +234 8083483315, +234 7038120794 and +277 25956982, adding that the Government is working with telecommunications authorities in Nigeria and South Africa to track down the perpetrators.
“The Department of Presidential Communications warns and alerts the public to individuals impersonating and claiming association with the Office of the Vice President, Gen Retd CDGN Chiwenga, and his wife,” he said.
“These imposters are using, among other numbers, South African and Nigerian telephone numbers to contact citizens and foreigners, often with malicious intent and to solicit and extort money, services, or personal information.”
Mr Charamba urged the public to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any communication allegedly originating from the Vice President’s office.
“We urge those affected to be vigilant and verify any communication purporting to be from the Vice President’s Office, or from his wife,” he said.
“All official communication involving the Vice President, his office or his household follows proper, official channels.”
Mr Charamba further dismissed any social media accounts claiming to represent the Vice President or his spouse.
“Both the Honourable Vice President and his wife do not have Twitter (X) accounts. Any accounts claiming association with them, or purporting to project their views on any matter, are false and should be disregarded and dismissed with unreserved contempt,” he said.
Members of the public have been urged to report any suspected cases of impersonation to the Zimbabwe Republic Police or relevant Government offices.
