Notorious Cyber Fraud Syndicate Finally Arrested: How They Stole Identities, Did SIM Replacements, Took Over WhatsApp & Bank Acc
A long-running cybercrime saga that left dozens of Zimbabweans out of pocket has finally reached a dramatic climax. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested Tranos Taurai Muzanenhamo (27), Rumbidzai Tsongora (24) and Bradwell Shangwa (25) — the trio accused of masterminding a nationwide web of SIM-swap, identity-theft and WhatsApp hacking scams.
Their capture in Shurugwi on 31 October 2025 ends a two-year manhunt that stretched across provinces and involved over 29 cases of digital fraud worth more than US$17,009.50 (about R322,000) and ZWG 30,665,912.30.
From Fake IDs To SIM Swaps: A Sophisticated Scam
Police say Muzanenhamo — once an employee of a mobile-phone service provider — used his insider knowledge to bypass network security. According to a ZBC News report from June 2023, he had already been arrested for similar offences involving card-cloning, WhatsApp hacking and online scams before allegedly re-emerging under a new network of accomplices.
Investigators believe the gang exploited phishing links, breached databases and public records to steal names, phone numbers and ID details. With that information, they impersonated victims to obtain replacement SIM cards. Once the new SIM was activated, the victims’ phones went dead — while the syndicate gained full access to their mobile wallets, banking apps and WhatsApp chats.
“The suspect allegedly gathered personal information about the victims such as their names and phone numbers through various means like phishing, data breaches, or accessing public records,” said Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the ZRP national spokesperson.
Once in control, the scammers allegedly transferred funds, used victims’ WhatsApp profiles to beg for cash from friends and relatives, and even laundered proceeds through hacked corporate accounts.
“He would activate the new SIM card, resulting in the deactivation of the victim’s phone service and unauthorised access to their personal data,” the police statement added.
A National Manhunt Ends In Shurugwi
According to The Herald, police had been pursuing Muzanenhamo for weeks after launching a nationwide appeal on 21 October 2025. He was described as the ringleader of an “elaborate SIM-card replacement and hacking scheme” that had left victims across Harare, Bulawayo and smaller towns counting their losses.
The chase ended on 31 October 2025, when detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department’s Commercial Crimes Division cornered the suspects at a Shurugwi lodge. A search of their Toyota Mark X yielded multiple fake national identity cards, dozens of SIM cards, bank cards, several mobile phones, handcuffs, and a Starlink internet device believed to have kept the operation connected even when off-grid.
“The suspects were hiding at a local lodge when detectives swooped in,” the ZRP said. “The recovery of multiple SIM cards, bank cards and fake IDs confirms the extent of the operation.”
This isn’t Muzanenhamo’s first run-in with the law. In June 2023, police arrested him in Chiendambuya, Headlands, after a dramatic chase. At the time, he was accused of using One-Time Password (OTP) tricks to hack bank accounts and WhatsApp profiles.
“The suspect would send OTP codes to unsuspecting people for confirmation, thereby enabling him to hack and gain access to their bank accounts,” investigators said.
Police Warn Of Rising Cybercrime
Following the latest arrest, Commissioner Nyathi urged citizens to remain alert to digital scams and avoid sharing verification codes or personal details online.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing for information which may assist in locating more accomplices and victims linked to these cases,” he said.
“Members of the public must be vigilant against fraudulent SIM replacement requests and suspicious WhatsApp messages asking for money.”
The public can contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703 631, via WhatsApp 0712 800 197, or through the website www.zrp.gov.zw.
As investigations continue, police believe other suspects, including Trevor Muzanenhamo and Timothy Bvuramiti, may still be on the run.
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The post From Fake IDs To WhatsApp Hacks: Police Arrest Notorious WhatsApp Hacking Cyber Gang appeared first on iHarare News.
