By Patience Gondo
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested three suspected cybercriminals in Shurugwi believed to be behind a wide-ranging online fraud syndicate that has swindled unsuspecting victims of thousands of United States dollars across the country.
ZRP national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the arrest of Tranos Taurai Muzanenhamo (27), Rumbidzai Tsongora (24) and Bradwell Shangwa (25) following extensive investigations into a wave of cyber-related fraud cases that have been reported in Harare, Bulawayo, and several other towns.
Nyathi said , preliminary investigations established that the trio allegedly specialised in harvesting victims’ personal information through phishing schemes, data breaches and by accessing public records.
Armed with these details, they reportedly impersonated victims to request SIM card replacements, which allowed them to gain complete control over their targets’ mobile money accounts, bank profiles and WhatsApp numbers.
Once in control of these accounts, the suspects are said to have fraudulently transferred funds from victims’ bank and mobile money wallets and further solicited money from the victims’ contacts under false pretences.
Nyathi said this sophisticated method of cyber manipulation left many people defrauded and without access to their own accounts for days.
“The suspects would assume the victims’ identities by taking over their SIM cards and then access their personal and financial accounts. This enabled them to move funds and ask for money from people known to the victims,”Nyathi said .
Following weeks of surveillance, detectives on October 31, 2025, tracked the suspects to a local lodge in Shurugwi, where they were hiding. Officers pounced on them before they could flee.
A search of their getaway vehicle, a Toyota Mark X, reportedly uncovered a stash of items used in their operations including a pair of handcuffs, fake national identification documents, multiple SIM cards, bank cards, cellphones and a Starlink internet device believed to have been used to mask their online activities.
Police investigations have so far linked the trio to over 29 cases of cyber-related fraud, with the total amount involved estimated at US$17,009.50 and ZWG30 665 912.30.
Police suspect the group could be part of a broader network targeting individuals and small businesses using cloned or illegally accessed digital identities.
“This is a clear warning to those involved in cybercrime that the law will eventually catch up with them. We continue to urge members of the public to be cautious when sharing personal details online or responding to suspicious messages requesting financial assistance,” said Nyathi.
Cybercrime has become a growing concern in Zimbabwe, with police reporting an increase in cases involving the unauthorised access of mobile money platforms, SIM-swap fraud, and social-media impersonation. In recent months, several victims have lost significant sums of money to fraudsters who exploit weaknesses in mobile and online banking systems.
Nyathi has assured the public that investigations are continuing and that more arrests could follow as detectives track down other possible accomplices.
The three suspects are expected to appear in court soon facing multiple counts of cyber-related fraud.
“More details will be availed as investigation unfold,” said Nyathi.