Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka
Court Correspondent
ELEVEN suspected hackers accused of defrauding EcoCash users through fake free data offers appeared before Harare provincial magistrate Mr Tapiwa Kuhudzai today.
The accused, aged between 20 and 26, are facing charges of hacking after allegedly stealing more than US$61 000 from unsuspecting victims’ EcoCash accounts.
Those charged are Mpho Ruzwidzo (22), Ishmael Muzanenhamo (20), Moses Shingirai Chawatama (24), Usher Forester Mubaiwa (26), Panashe Wesley Gonzo (22), Tinashe Gonzo (24), Eddington Leeroy Mazonde (21), Calvin Takudzwa Masiyandaita (23), Shawn Goodmore
Chikangaidze, Billy Zawe (21) and Dilan Macheka (22).
They were remanded in custody to Monday for their bail hearing.
There are 31 complainants in the case.
According to the State, the accused acted in concert to exploit Econet Zimbabwe’s EcoCash platform by targeting users through phishing schemes.
Beginning in November 2025, the suspects allegedly sent fraudulent links to EcoCash users, claiming to offer free data bundles.
Victims who clicked on the links were redirected to fake portals where they were instructed to enter personal details, including their mobile phone numbers.
At the final stage of the scheme, the accused allegedly contacted the victims by phone and requested the One-Time PIN (OTP) sent to their handsets.
Armed with the OTPs, the suspects allegedly gained unauthorised access to the victims’ EcoCash accounts and transferred funds to accounts under their control.
The court heard that on February 4, 2026, detectives, acting on intelligence-led investigations and financial transaction tracing, arrested Ruzwidzo and Muzanenhamo at their residence.
A search at the premises led to the recovery of five cellphones allegedly linked to the offences, several Econet SIM cards and US$600 in cash.
The following day, police arrested the remaining suspects in Chitungwiza after further investigations and information obtained during interrogations.
Additional cellphones, SIM cards and Buddie lines allegedly used in the commission of the offences were recovered.
The total amount allegedly stolen through the scheme is estimated at US$61 387.
Tinaye Agere