HARARE, Feb. 6 (NewsDay Live) The Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Criminal Investigation Department has busted a well-connected EcoCash scamming syndicate, arresting 11 suspects.
The accused are: Mpho Ruzwidzo (22) of 3377 Unit D, Chitungwiza; Ishmael Muzanenhamo of 19730 Zengeza Extension, Chitungwiza; Moses Shingirai Chawatama (24) of 3378 Unit D, Chitungwiza; Usher Forester Mubaiwa (26) of 3248 Unit D, Seke, Chitungwiza; Panashe Wesley Gonzo (22) of 3392 Unit D, Chitungwiza; Tinashe Gonzo (24) of 3392 Unit D, Seke, Chitungwiza; Eddington Leeroy Mazonde (21) of 3800 Unit D, Chitungwiza; Calvin Takudzwa Masiyandaita (24) of 5292 Unit E, Seke, Chitungwiza; Shawn Goodmore Chikangaidze (22) of 3379 Unit D, Chitungwiza; Billy Zawe (21) of 212 Mbambaira, Zengeza 2, Chitungwiza; and Dilan Macheka (23) of 63267 Unit B, Chitungwiza.
Police reports reveal that from 2025 to date, there has been an upsurge in theft cases allegedly perpetrated by the suspects through the mobile payment platform.
“The accused persons would send a link to victims while pretending to be Econet Zimbabwe. The link appeared as a portal offering free data. Once victims followed the instructions on the link, the suspects would call them requesting a one-time password (OTP) sent to their phones. This enabled the suspects to gain access to the victims’ EcoCash accounts and transfer funds to various EcoCash accounts,” reads the police statement.
On February 4, 2026, detectives from CID Homicide, Harare, using the “follow the money trail” approach, identified Ruzwidzo and waylaid him near his residence and arrested him, along with Muzanenhamo.
“Upon interviewing the suspects, they admitted to being part of a syndicate comprising 10 members. A search led to the recovery of five cellphones with Econet lines allegedly used in committing the crimes, several Econet SIM cards, and US$600 in cash. The two suspects also indicated property purchased using the stolen money, including beds, sofas, televisions, a fridge, a wardrobe, a stove, plates, and blankets,” the police said in a statement.
“When asked about the remaining money, the suspects stated that they had purchased a Toyota Spade, registration AGW 5666, for use on inDrive but is yet to be recovered, and a Nissan Note, registration AGG 5665. (Ruzwidzo) also stated that he had invested part of the money in cryptocurrency. He further indicated that one of the SIM cards that received the funds had since been blocked, preventing withdrawals.”
On February 5, 2026, detectives conducted follow-up operations and arrested the other suspects at their homes.
- Harare businesswoman turns heat on police CCU over 'bias'
- Letter to my people: Criminals are hiding in plain sight
- 5 Zim cops off to South Sudan
- Crime tech: Technology can eradicate corruption
Keep Reading
Chawatama’s arrest led to the recovery of 15 Buddie lines, Samsung S25, Samsung S23, and Samsung A03 cellphones. Mubaiwa led to the recovery of 16 Buddie lines, Samsung S22 Plus, Samsung J6, and Samsung A15 cellphones while Gonzo led to the recovery of an S10 Ultra tablet, a non-working MacBook, and US$1,200 in cash.
Tinashe Gonzo led to the recovery of 15 Buddie lines, a Samsung A05, and an iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Mazonde led to the recovery of an iPhone 14 Pro Max, a Redmi cellphone, and US$310 in cash while Masiyandaita led to the recovery of 21 Buddie lines, an iPhone 16 Pro Max, and a non-working Itel cellphone.
Chikangaidze had 20 Buddie lines, a Samsung A03, a Samsung Note 20, and a tablet, while Zawe was found in possession of an iPhone 17 Pro Max and US$300 in cash.
Macheka had six Buddie lines, an iPhone 13 Pro Max, and US$150 in cash.
The total value of recovered property is estimated at US$22,000.
Police said investigations were ongoing.
