Crime and Courts
Econet Workers, Partner Nabbed Over EcoCash Scam
Three Econet employees, together with an alleged accomplice, have appeared in court on accusations of running a fraudulent SIM swap operation that fleeced two EcoCash account holders of US$4,485.
The suspects are Manuel Makuvise (28), Kudzanai Learnmore Taraziva (28), Kudzaishe Shadreck Chakanyuka (42), and Joshua Nyaruwashe (24). They have been charged with fraud.
According to prosecutor Garry Sengweni, the first incident occurred on April 29 when the group allegedly targeted an EcoCash account owned by Eliah Nkomo.
It is alleged that the Econet employees accessed Nkomo’s personal details and passed them on to Chakanyuka, who then produced a counterfeit identity card bearing Nkomo’s particulars but displaying his own photograph. Using this fake ID, the accused processed a SIM replacement for Nkomo’s line, effectively disabling the legitimate card and gaining full access to his EcoCash account. They allegedly siphoned US$1,946 from the account.
In a second case on May 10, the group reportedly employed the same method to compromise an EcoCash account belonging to Lynace Phiri. The accused obtained Phiri’s details, manufactured another fake ID carrying Chakanyuka’s image, and processed a SIM swap. Once in control of the account, they allegedly withdrew US$2,539.
In total, the quartet is said to have stolen US$4,485, with none of the funds recovered.
The case was postponed to September 19 for further proceedings.
ALSO READ : ZIMRA Officials in Court Over US$6.3m Cyber Fraud
Crime and Courts
Illegal miner jailed 5 years for gold worth USD 12
A Ruwa man will rue the day after he defied the cultural day (Chisi) and went on to illegally pan gold at a mine shaft after he was sentenced to five years imprisonment for unlawful possession of 0.096 grammes of the metal.
According to court records Tafadzwa Matsika (45) was sentenced to five years in prison for the illegal possession of gold.
NPA said Matsika was arrested on the 20 August 2025 at Greencroft mining compound mine after officials received information that someone was illegally panning for gold on cultural day of rest known as (Chisi).
“Mine officials tracked his spoor from a mining shaft to a nearby compound where they confronted the offender.
“Matsika produced a sachet of toasted gold weighing 0.096 grammes from his pocket but could not produce a mining license or permit.”
Crime and Courts
Police Deploy Breathalysers and Speed Cameras Ahead of Festive Season
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) will this weekend begin deploying breathalysers and speed cameras on major highways as part of a nationwide campaign to curb drunk driving and speeding, two leading causes of road fatalities.
Transport Minister Felix Mhona said the new technology will allow officers to deal “directly and scientifically” with reckless drivers. “This is about restoring discipline on our roads,” Mhona said. “These measures will reduce accidents and enhance public safety.”
The rollout marks Zimbabwe’s first large-scale use of modern road enforcement tools. It coincides with the introduction of a new fleet of Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) vehicles, which will strengthen inspections and ensure vehicles are certified fit for the road.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged motorists to exercise caution, drive responsibly, and avoid unnecessary risks. “Road safety is a collective responsibility. Vehicles must be serviced and certified fit to be on the road,” he said.
The initiative comes as authorities brace for increased travel and festive season traffic, a period historically associated with high accident rates.
Crime and Courts
Meru service station robbed 9K
Four armed robbers outfoxed security personnel manning Kwekwe Meru service station before they blew up a safe and fled with over USD 9 000.
National Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident saying investigations are underway.
He said the robbery occurred on 17 November 2025 at Meru service station Kwekwe. “Four armed men approached a Fawcett officer who was on duty and forced him to lie on the ground.
“They tied his hands and legs before dragging him into the building.
“A second Fawcett officer ran into the building and was also caught while attempting to notify the Fawcett Reaction Team,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He said the suspects tied his hands and legs. and dragged him into the same room where the other Fawcett officer was being held.
“The suspects then forced their way into the second room, where three officers were asleep and tied the officers as well.
“They blasted a wall-mounted safe and seized USD 9 700.”
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