“SIM Swap Swindle”: Harare Police Arrest Five for US$8K Fraud In A SIM Card Replacement And Identity Theft Scandal

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested five suspects for stealing US$8k in an elaborate identity theft and SIM card replacement scandal.

The CID Braeside unit made the arrests following an investigation into the fraud case.

The SIM Card Replacement And Identity Theft Episode

The complainant, 43-year-old Itai Chitimbe from Avondale, Harare, reported that in August 2024, the suspects, identified as Kudzaishe Chakanyuka (41), Wadzanai Munemo (31), Blessing Chigadure (36), Brendon Sithole (29), and Joseph Sigauke (49), conspired to defraud him.

identity Theft SIM Replacement — *Harare Police Arrest Five for US$8K Fraud In A SIM Card Replacement And Identity Theft Scandal [Image: Zimbabwe Today]*

According to the police, Chakanyuka obtained a counterfeit national ID containing Chitimbe’s details but featuring Munemo’s picture. On August 7, Munemo used the fake ID to approach an Econet agent, where she applied for a SIM card replacement for Chitimbe’s Econet number. As a result, Chitimbe was cut off from his mobile communication.

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The US$8k Cash Theft

The suspects then travelled to the complainant, Itai Chitimbe’s business premises, with Chigadure as their driver. Munemo used the stolen phone number to contact Chitimbe’s brother, pretending to be the complainant and instructed him to hand over US$8,000 in cash to Sithole. Chitimbe’s brother, unaware of the fraud, complied with the request and handed over the money.

Detectives arrested the group on August 30 after receiving information about the fraudulent activities. The five rascals stole a total amount of US$8,000 in cash.

People online found the intricate theft of US$8,000, which involved using a fake identity to replace a SIM card, sobering.

Kukue:

“Haa kwashata kunze uku.”

Gilbert:

“Seriri riri pekutanga ritotaridza Kuti zimhondi chairo.”

Lazzie:

“Ndoo team rekundiridza iri, yedu taakuimutsawo manje. Mronzí huya oune gunners vekwenyu ava.”

Benard:

“Ivo ve econet kungopa munhu sim replacement havo without proper verification.”

Lazie:

“Mhosva hairovi unozongobatwa chete.”

The post “SIM Swap Swindle”: Harare Police Arrest Five for US$8K Fraud In A SIM Card Replacement And Identity Theft Scandal appeared first on iHarare News.