Zimbabwe Military Police Arrest Fake Soldier For Impersonation and Fraud
The Zimbabwe Military Police have arrested a Harare man for masquerading as a member of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) and duping desperate job seekers through a fake recruitment scheme.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Zimbabwe Military Police confirmed the arrest of 42-year-old Hardlife Nyoni from Waterfalls, who was apprehended in Harare’s central business district following a tip-off from members of the public.
Authorities said Nyoni, who is employed as a general hand at Mkoba Teachers College, allegedly posed as a senior army official under the alias “General Talent Nyoni” while recruiting potential candidates for the ZNA through WhatsApp messages.
Also Read: ZRP Launches Manhunt For Social Media Activist ‘Majaira Jairosi’ Over Fake Police Statements
Fake Recruitment Scheme Exposed
According to the Military Police, Nyoni circulated messages in a WhatsApp group claiming he could assist individuals seeking to join the army.
One interested applicant reportedly contacted him, and Nyoni allegedly confirmed that he was facilitating recruitment into the ZNA. He then demanded US$100 from the applicant, claiming the money would help process the application despite the candidate lacking the required qualifications.
However, the applicant reportedly became suspicious of the arrangement and alerted the Military Police.
Investigators then organised a trap, leading Nyoni to Harare’s CBD, where he met the supposed recruit outside Harare Central Police Station to complete the transaction.
Handcuffs and Certificates Recovered
Military Police officers arrested Nyoni at the scene and reportedly recovered several academic certificates and a pair of handcuffs allegedly used to convince victims that he was a genuine member of the army.
During questioning, Nyoni allegedly admitted to using the same method to defraud another victim of US$200.
He was later handed over to the Zimbabwe Republic Police at Harare Central Police Station for further investigations and possible prosecution.
Army Warns Public Against Fraudsters
The Zimbabwe National Army has urged members of the public to remain vigilant against individuals falsely claiming to represent the military during recruitment exercises.
The organisation stressed that the ZNA does not use third parties to recruit candidates and does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.
The army also encouraged members of the public to report suspected fraudsters to the nearest army camp or police station.
The post Zimbabwe Military Police Arrest Fake Soldier For Impersonation and Fraud appeared first on iHarare News.
