Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
THE Zimbabwe Media Commission has publicly disowned an individual posing as its accreditation agent in South Africa, who is fraudulently soliciting payments from media practitioners.
In a statement yesterday, the media regulatory body alerted the public that it has not appointed any agent to process accreditation for journalists based outside Zimbabwe.
The scam involves an individual demanding US$70 via the money transfer service, Mukuru, promising to facilitate media accreditation cards for Zimbabweans working in South Africa.
“We have been made aware of a disturbing scam in which an individual is posing as a ZMC accreditation agent and swindling unsuspecting media practitioners, particularly Zimbabweans based in South Africa,” the ZMC said.
“The ZMC condemns in the strongest possible terms these deplorable acts which are designed to take advantage of vulnerable individuals.”
The Commission said it does not use third-party agents or representatives to collect payments through informal channels adding that all legitimate accreditation services are conducted through its official website and offices.
The ZMC has engaged law enforcement agents to investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.
It also urged stakeholders and members of the public to exercise caution and report any suspicious approaches to the authorities.
This warning comes as the Commission is conducting a nationwide outreach programme to accredit media practitioners beyond its permanent offices in Harare and Bulawayo.
