US$60,000 EcoCash Heist: Chitungwiza Hacking Syndicate Arrested
The Chitungwiza EcoCash hacking gang, accused of stealing more than US$60,000 (about R1.1 million) from unsuspecting mobile money users, has finally been arrested, following a series of intelligence-led police operations that brought an alleged digital fraud ring to a halt. The arrests come after months of complaints from victims who were allegedly tricked into giving up their data through fake free data offers circulated online.
Police say the suspects targeted EcoCash users across Zimbabwe, luring them into clicking fraudulent links before draining their mobile money wallets. Eleven suspects, most of them in their early twenties, have since appeared in court as investigations continue.
How the alleged EcoCash scam worked
Prosecutors told the Harare Provincial Magistrates’ Court that the alleged scheme started in November 2025 and ran until early February 2026. Victims were allegedly sent links promising free data bundles, which appeared to originate from a trusted source.
Introducing the State case, prosecutors said the group posed as a well-known mobile service provider.
“The syndicate impersonated Econet Zimbabwe, disseminating fraudulent links to unsuspecting victims under the guise of free data promotions,” police told the court.
Victims who clicked the links were allegedly redirected to fake portals and asked to enter personal details, including their mobile phone numbers.
The deception reportedly escalated.
“After that, the suspects would contact the victims and request the One-Time Password sent to their phones,” the State said.
Armed with the OTPs, the suspects allegedly accessed EcoCash accounts without authorisation and transferred funds into accounts they controlled.
Arrests, court appearance and money trail
The court heard that detectives made a breakthrough on February 4, 2026, when two suspects, Mpho Ruzwidzo and Ishmael Muzanenhamo, were arrested following financial tracking.
“The arrests were a result of intelligence-led policing and a follow-the-money approach,” police said.
A search led to the recovery of five mobile phones, several Econet SIM cards and US$600 (about R11,000). Further interviews allegedly pointed detectives to the remaining suspects, who were arrested in various parts of Chitungwiza.
All 11 suspects appeared before Harare Provincial Magistrate Mr Tapiwa Kuhudzai and were remanded in custody pending a bail hearing. The State said 31 complainants are linked to the case.
Authorities allege the total amount stolen was approximately US$61,387 (R1.13 million).
Crypto claims and public warning
Police further allege that some of the proceeds were used to buy household property and vehicles, while part of the money was invested in cryptocurrency.
Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, speaking for the Criminal Investigations Department, confirmed the arrests and urged the public to remain cautious online.
“Members of the public are warned never to share One-Time Passwords with anyone, regardless of how convincing the message may appear,” she said.
Investigations are continuing as financial records are still being analysed.
Suspects arrested in the EcoCash case
- Mpho Ruzwidzo (22)
Residence: Unit D, Chitungwiza
Occupation: Not employed - Ishmael Muzanenhamo (age not stated)
Residence: Zengeza Extension, Chitungwiza
Occupation: Not employed - Moses Shingirai Chawatama (24)
Residence: Unit D, Chitungwiza
Occupation: Not employed - Usher Forester Mubaiwa (26)
Residence: Unit D, Seke, Chitungwiza
Occupation: Not employed - Panashe Wesley Gonzo (22)
Residence: Unit D, Chitungwiza
Occupation: Not employed - Tinashe Gonzo (24)
Residence: Unit D, Seke, Chitungwiza
Occupation: Not employed - Eddington Leeroy Mazonde (21)
Residence: Unit D, Chitungwiza
Occupation: Not employed - Calvin Takudzwa Masiyandaita (23)
Residence: Unit E, Seke, Chitungwiza
Occupation: Not employed - Shawn Goodmore Chikangaidze (22)
Residence: Unit D, Chitungwiza
Occupation: Not employed - Billy Zawe (21)
Residence: Zengeza 2, Chitungwiza
Occupation: Not employed - Dilan Macheka (22)
Residence: Unit B, Chitungwiza
Occupation: Not employed
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The post Chitungwiza EcoCash Hacking Syndicate Finally Arrested After Stealing More Than US$60,000: Full Details Revealed appeared first on iHarare News.
