Raymond Jaravaza, Zimpapers Reporter
TWO men from Kwekwe, Midlands Province, have been sentenced to three years in prison for hacking into the Econet Wireless Zimbabwe’s computer system.
The duo of Mutwazi (33) and Tanaka Tayero (27) was convicted by the Kwekwe Magistrates’ Court.
“Dumisani Mutwazi and Tanaka Tayero were sentenced to 36 months imprisonment each for hacking and unlawfully using data or devices to facilitate unauthorised access to Econet Wireless Zimbabwe’s computer system.
“Between 25 June and 10 July 2025, the offenders unlawfully accessed Econet’s system and sold or made available access codes used to obtain airtime bundles,” said the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ).
The fraudulent activities were discovered on 11 July 2025 when an Econet corporate fraud specialist reviewed airtime.
“Airtime reviews of purchases made through Yomix and EcoCash discovered suspicious transaction patterns linked to
the offenders.
“Investigations established that airtime bundles had been purchased repeatedly and distributed to several individuals in exchange for cash,” said NPAZ.
The total financial prejudice suffered by Econet Wireless Zimbabwe was
US$12,436.52 and nothing had been recovered.
The Court suspended 10 months of the sentence for five years on
condition of good behaviour.
“A further 18 months was suspended on
condition that each offender performs 630 hours of community service,”
The NPAZ said it condemned the unlawful access to, and abuse of, digital
systems for personal gain.
“Cybercrime undermines business
confidence and causes financial losses. Perpetrators of such illegal activities will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said the authority.
