ZNA warns of bogus soldiers

Tanaka Mahanya

The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has issued a warning to the public about fake soldiers, who are impersonating members of the army and fleecing unsuspecting people. 

ZNA director of public relations, Colonel Alphios Makotore, said impersonating a police officer, peace officer or public official is an offence according to the Criminal Law and Codification Act.

In a statement, Col Makotore said the bogus soldiers are using stolen or fake military identity cards, as well as stolen military uniforms, to dupe and rob people of their property and money. 

Several suspects have been arrested and are either appearing in court or are under police investigation. 

The public has been warned to be alert and report anyone who they suspect is a bogus soldier to the nearest police station. 

“The Zimbabwe National Army is greatly concerned over the increasing number of civilians arrested by Zimbabwe Republic Police and Zimbabwe Military Police officers for impersonating military members for purposes of fleecing money from unsuspecting ordinary people.

“The public is therefore warned to be alert in order to avoid being conned by such bogus soldiers who are on the prowl.

“Members of the public are advised to report anyone found to be unnecessarily flashing out his or her military identity card or in possession of military uniforms to the nearest police station.”

Wiseman Makombe of Tafara, Privilege Mapfumo of Tynwald South, Bornface Chinhano of Glenwood Park, Tafadzwa Mukuze of Mutare, Learnmore Ngwenya of Kuwadzana, Ngonidzashe Samuel Mapfumo of Harare and Bornface Muzambe Mashingaidze of Rujeko township in Chinhoyi have so far been arrested for impersonating soldiers.