Authorities have uncovered a suspected fraud ring accused of targeting EcoCash users through fake “Free Airtime” links circulated online.

Investigations revealed that several Econet lines were allegedly used in the scheme and have since been recovered.

Police warn the public that messages or links promising “click and win airtime” are almost certainly scams designed to steal personal or financial information.

The suspects linked to the case include Mpho Ruzwidzo (22), Ishmael Muzanenhamo, Moses Shingirai Chawatama (24), Usher Forester Mubaiwa (26), Panashe Wesley Gonzo (22), Tinashe Gonzo (24), Eddington Leeroy Mazonde (21), Calvin Takudzwa Masiyandaita (23), Shawn Goodmore Chikangaidze (22), Billy Zawe (21), and Dilan Macheka (22).

Authorities say investigations are ongoing and have urged mobile money users to avoid clicking on unsolicited links and to report suspicious messages immediately.

A Harare-based businessman has lost more than US$50,000 after falling victim to an alleged scam involving a man posing as a customs clearing agent at Beitbridge Border Post.

The suspect, identified as Tichaona Mupo Mhlakaza, appeared in court over the weekend facing fraud allegations. He was not asked to enter a plea and is expected to return to court today for a bail hearing.

According to prosecutors, the complainant, Peter Sine, purchased four tipper trucks in Durban, South Africa, early last year with the intention of importing them into Zimbabwe. While seeking assistance with the customs clearance process, he was introduced to Mhlakaza, who claimed to be a registered ZIMRA clearing agent.

Mhlakaza allegedly assured Sine that he could process the clearance of the trucks at a cost of US$52,792. On 20 January, the accused reportedly sent Sine a document purporting to be proof of payment, showing that 1,626,000 ZiG had been paid to ZIMRA through a company called Globetrek Logistics.

Later that same day, the two met in Harare at the intersection of Fifth Street and Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, where Sine handed over the full amount in cash.

However, concerns arose when the trucks were not cleared. On 2 February, Sine made inquiries with ZIMRA and was informed that no duty payment had been received for the vehicles. Further checks revealed that the proof of payment he had been shown was fraudulent.

When confronted, Mhlakaza allegedly redirected Sine to a third individual, Lloyd Mawadze, raising further suspicion. Realising he had been deceived, Sine reported the matter to ZRP Fife Avenue, leading to Mhlakaza’s arrest.

Police say no money has been recovered so far, and investigations are ongoing.

Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries founder, Walter Magaya, has been granted a $3000 bail by High Court judge Vivian Ndlovu.

Prophet Magaya was in remand prison facing four fresh rape charges and he has granted bail after spending the whole week in prison.

According to NPAZ, the first count relates to an incident alleged to have occurred in 2020. A 24-year-old ministerial worker claims she was invited to a hotel room under the guise of Bible study, where she was allegedly locked inside and raped.

The second count, dating back to 2023, involves a 22-year-old woman who alleges she was instructed to stay at Yadah Hotel for prayers meant to stop spiritual manifestations. She claims the alleged rape occurred in the hotel’s Presidential Suite.

A third allegation is said to have taken place in 2016. A 32-year-old woman alleges Magaya offered her employment in a housing project before driving her to a house in Borrowdale, where she claims she was raped.

The fourth count involves a 21-year-old shop attendant. She alleges she was invited to a hotel as a reward for selling Magaya’s books and was allegedly locked in a room and forced into sexual intercourse. The exact date of this incident was not specified in court documents.

The bail ruling, handed down today by Justice Vivian Ndlovu, includes several stringent conditions.

Magaya has been granted bail on the conditions that he should report to the police twice a week, surrender his passport to the clerk of the court, surrender title deeds to his Mt Pleasant house and reside at his given address.

According to the State, Magaya’s trial is set to commence on February 16 and will run until February 19 at the Harare Magistrates’ Court on a continuous roll.

The prosecution team is led by Mr Clemence Chimbari, Ms Tendai Shonhayi and Ms Chipo Muronda.

Lawyers who are representing Magaya are, Messrs Admire Rubaya and Everson Chatambudza.

Magaya was arrested on January 26 and initially appeared before Harare Regional Magistrate, Mrs Fadzai Mthombeni.