Vice President Chiwenga Impersonation Scam Alert Issued By Government

By Desire Tshuma

Harare – The Department of Presidential Communications has issued a press statement warning the public about individuals impersonating the Office of the Vice President, Gen Retd CDGN Chiwenga, and his wife, Col Miniyothabo Baloyi Chiwenga.

According to the statement, imposters are using South African and Nigerian telephone numbers to contact citizens and foreigners with malicious intent, soliciting money, services, or personal information.

George Charamba (pictured), Deputy Chief Secretary, Presidential Communications, said the public should be vigilant and verify any communication purporting to be from the Vice President’s Office or his wife. “We urge those affected to be vigilant and verify any communication purporting to be from the Vice President’s Office, or from his wife,” he said.

The statement also clarifies that the Vice President and his wife do not have Twitter (X) accounts, and any accounts claiming association with them are false and should be disregarded.

Phone numbers used for impersonation include +234 8083483315, +234 7038120794, and +277 25956982. Authorities are engaging telecommunication authorities in Nigeria and South Africa to address the issue.

The public is advised to report impersonation instances to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) at +263 242 703111, the Office of the President and Cabinet at +263 242 707091, or the Vice President’s Office at +263 242 707121.

“The relevant arms of Government are engaging telecommunication authorities in both Nigeria and South Africa to bring the crooks to book,” Charamba said.

The government urges citizens to be cautious and only engage with official communication channels handled by persons employed for that purpose.