Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
GOVERNMENT has issued an urgent warning to the public regarding a surge in fraud cases involving individuals impersonating Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga and his wife, Miniyothabo Baloyi Chiwenga, in a scheme to extort money and sensitive information.
Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr George Charamba, said the imposters were using foreign-registered telephone numbers, predominantly from South Africa and Nigeria, to target Zimbabweans and foreign nationals.
“The Department of Presidential Communications warns and alerts the public to individuals impersonating and/or claiming association with the Office of the Vice President, Gen Rtd CDGN Chiwenga, and his wife,” Mr Charamba said in a statement.
“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 identified several telephone numbers being used by the scammers, including +234 8083483315, +234 7038120794 and +277 25956982.
He urged members of the public to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any communication allegedly originating from the Vice President’s Office.
“Any and all official communication involving the Vice President, his Office or his household follows proper, official channels,” Mr Charamba said.
He further dismissed social media accounts claiming to represent the Vice President or his spouse as fraudulent.
“Both the Honourable Vice President and his wife do not have Twitter (X) accounts. Any such 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.
Government is collaborating with telecommunications authorities in Nigeria and South Africa to track down the perpetrators, Mr Charamba added.
Members of the public have been urged to report any suspected cases of impersonation to the Zimbabwe Republic Police or relevant Government offices.
Mr Charamba said prompt reporting and public vigilance were critical in curbing cases of cyber fraud targeting high-profile public offices.
Peter Tanyanyiwa