ZRP Warns Of Scammers Exploiting Kuwadzana Children Tragedy For Fake Donations

ZRP Exposes Fake Donations Exploiting Kuwadzana Children Tragedy

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a strong warning after discovering that scammers are exploiting the Kuwadzana children tragedy to collect fake donations. Police confirmed that a number of groups are soliciting money from unsuspecting members of the public, but Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi singled out Josephine Mutongi as a key figure behind fraudulent fundraising campaigns.

Police single out Mutongi in fundraising scam

In a statement released on Sunday, 5 October 2025, the ZRP cautioned well-wishers not to send money to individuals or groups claiming to represent the grieving families.

Commissioner Paul Nyathi, Chief Staff Officer for Press and Public Relations, stated:

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns criminals who are now taking advantage of the Kuwadzana children’s tragedy to mobilise the public to deposit or send money into Ecocash and InnBucks accounts owned or controlled by Josephine Mutongi, under the guise of assistance to the families, children’s missing body parts protest and holding of an illegal demonstration or gathering.”

Nyathi further stressed that the families of the victims had already distanced themselves from Mutongi, who has been widely using social media to spread misleading claims.

He said:

“The families of the victims have disowned Josephine Mutongi who is openly using the social media platforms to create confusion among Zimbabweans.”

ZRP dismisses body parts claims

Alongside the fraudulent fundraising, police also moved to dismiss alarming rumours circulating online that the children’s bodies were mutilated.

Commissioner Nyathi clarified:

“For the record, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has no evidence that one or all of the victims had missing body parts. The Police is also coordinating a full post-mortem to be conducted on 6 October 2025 in Harare. The results will be made public in consultation with the families.”

The ZRP urged the public to respect the privacy of the grieving families and refrain from spreading unverified information that could further inflame the situation.

Tragedy that shocked Kuwadzana

The police warning comes in the wake of the devastating discovery on 3 October 2025, when three children aged between one and three were found dead inside the boot of a broken-down Mercedes-Benz in Kuwadzana Extension.

The children had been missing since 1 October 2025, sparking widespread searches and panic in the community. The grim discovery shocked residents, many of whom gathered at the scene in disbelief.

Commissioner Nyathi closed by warning against those trying to turn the tragedy into a platform for violence or unrest:

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police strongly warns anyone or groups who are agitating for violence or illegal gatherings that the law will definitely take its course without fear or favour.”