Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
Behind every “Hi dear, I have a job for you” message sliding into inboxes lies a potential predator, and the streets of Zimbabwe are buzzing with cases where desperation meets deception.
In the latest horror, a 21-year-old Chipinge woman was raped in Rusape after replying to a fake job ad for a shop attendant on social media.
She was promised a better life — but walked straight into the clutches of a sexual predator.
She’s not alone.
VOICES FROM THE VICTIMS
These are real stories from survivors who trusted the wrong link. They reacted to the original B-Metro story
Their stories are real. Their pain is permanent.
Thought I’d found love. He was sweet on WhatsApp, promised marriage. He asked me to visit him in Gweru. I ended up being raped — and a few months later, I tested HIV positive. My world crumbled.”
— Melody (25), Mutare
“My husband saw messages from a guy I was talking to about a job. He thought I was cheating. I tried to explain it was just a work opportunity — but he didn’t believe me. We divorced. My home was destroyed because of a lie I believed.”
— Chipo (33), Kwekwe
“I was attacked after going to meet someone who claimed to be a recruiter. But I didn’t stay silent. I reported it, went to court, testified — and he’s now serving 12 years. Justice gave me some peace, but the scars are still there.”
— Samantha (29), Bulawayo
“He offered to help me ‘model’ in South Africa. I was raped by three men at a so-called audition in Beitbridge. I don’t sleep. I don’t trust people. I jump at the sound of a door. I even fear my own shadow.”
— Anonymous (22), Gwanda
“It started with a Facebook job post. I was invited for an interview in a flat. I was held against my will for two days. I escaped and now I speak out so others don’t go through what I did. If it sounds too perfect, it probably is fake.”
— Nomsa (30), Harare
“He said he was a businessman looking for a PA. When I got there, there was no office — just an empty house. I ran before he could do anything.”
— Rudo, 26, Harare
“I met a guy on Facebook who said he could help me move to SA for work. I ended up locked in a house with two men for days. I escaped through a window.”
— Anonymous, 23, Beitbridge
“I was promised modelling gigs. The photoshoot turned into something else. I froze. I wish I had told someone before going.”
— Thandiwe, 19, Bulawayo
THE TRICKS THEY USE
m Fake job offers with vague company names
Dating profiles with fancy cars and “CEO” bios
Urgent messages pushing quick meet-ups
Promises of relocation, money, or fame
ZRP WARNING: STAY ALERT!
The Zimbabwe Republic Police are raising the red flag:
“People must verify job and dating offers. Never meet strangers in secluded areas. Predators are using social media to prey on the vulnerable.”
DON’T FALL FOR IT: KNOW THE RED FLAGS
Job offers that don’t mention a company name
Asking you to travel alone or at odd hours
Requests for personal info too early
They refuse public meet-ups or video calls
Too much charm, too little detail
SUPPORT & REPORTING
If you or someone you know has been a victim:
Musasa Project (24hr toll-free): 0808 0074 for Econet users and 0801 0074 for NetOne users. Telecel users can reach them at 0731 080 074. They also offer support through WhatsApp at 077 544 2300.
ZRP National Complaints Desk: 0242 703631
Dial 116 from any Econet line for child or gender-based violence cases
