A fuel attendant in Chinhoyi narrowly avoided losing US$500 after three suspects allegedly used a cash-switching trick to obtain genuine United States dollar notes.
The incident happened on September 14, 2026, at a service station in the light industrial area of Chinhoyi, according to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
Police identified the suspects as Freedom Chipano, 43, Nyasha Chabata, 33, and Shamaine Nyandoro, 35.
The trio allegedly arrived at the service station in a white Toyota RAV4, registration number AFN 1446, and approached an attendant with an offer to exchange US$10 notes for US$100 denominations.
According to police, the attendant handed over five US$100 notes, amounting to US$500.
The suspects allegedly then produced a bundle containing bond notes, placing a genuine US$10 note on top and fastening the bundle with a rubber band.
The arrangement allegedly created the impression that the entire bundle consisted of United States dollars.
After receiving the money, the suspects reportedly left the service station and drove towards Chegutu along the Chinhoyi-Chegutu Road.
Their getaway was short-lived after police in Zvimba intercepted the vehicle and arrested the three suspects.
Confirming the arrests, the ZRP said officers in Chinhoyi had responded quickly after receiving a report of the alleged fraud.
The suspects are expected to face fraud-related charges, although the allegations are yet to be tested in court.
Police continue to warn members of the public and businesses to exercise caution when conducting cash exchanges and to verify banknotes carefully before completing transactions.
