Bogus “general” arrested — Fake Zimbabwe National Army recruiter charged job seekers US$100
Military police have arrested a 42-year-old man accused of posing as a Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) officer and charging job seekers US$100 to “facilitate” army recruitment.
Hardlife Nyoni, a general hand at Mkoba Teachers College, was apprehended in Harare’s Central Business District on 13 May 2026 following a tip-off from the public.
According to the Army, Nyoni used the alias “General Talent Nyoni” in a WhatsApp group message earlier this year, claiming he was recruiting candidates for the ZNA.
An interested job seeker contacted him and was told to pay US$100 to process his application because he “had no adequate qualifications”. Sensing something was wrong, the would-be recruit alerted Military Police and arranged to meet Nyoni outside Harare Central Police Station to hand over the money.
Nyoni was arrested at the meeting. He was found with academic certificates and a pair of handcuffs, which investigators say he used to make his scheme look legitimate.
Under questioning, Nyoni allegedly admitted to defrauding another victim of US$200 using the same method.
He has since been handed over to ZRP Harare Central for further investigations.
The ZNA warned the public to be wary of fraudsters posing as soldiers. It stressed that the army does not use third parties to recruit and never charges applicants a fee.
“Any member who comes into contact with these criminals should report to the nearest Army Camp or Police Station,” said Colonel Hlengiwe Dube, Director of Army Public Relations.
Members of the public can also contact the Zimbabwe Military Police on 0712 842 316 or the Army Public Relations Directorate on 0712 905 377. *_-Pindula_*
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