A CRIMINAL syndicate is impersonating Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga and his wife, Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi Chiwenga, to solicit money and personal information, the government said yesterday.
In a statement yesterday, presidential spokesperson George Charamba said the impostors were using telephone numbers with South African and Nigerian codes to contact victims, claiming association with the Vice-President’s office, “with malicious intent.”
“The Department of Presidential Communications warns and alerts the public of individuals impersonating and/or claiming association with the Office of the Vice-President, Gen Rtd CDGN Chiwenga, and his wife, Col Miniyothabo Baloyi Chiwenga,” Charamba said.
He said the impostors were reportedly attempting to extort money and services from both citizens and foreigners.
“We urge those affected to be vigilant and verify any communication purporting to be from the Vice-President's Office or from his wife,” Charamba said.
“Any official communication involving the Vice-President, his office or his household follows proper, official channels and is handled by persons employed for that purpose.”
He identified three specific numbers being used in the scheme: +234 8083483315 (Nigeria), +234 7038120794 (Nigeria) and +277 25956982 (South Africa).
Charamba said Chiwenga and his wife did not maintain any official presence on the social media platform X, warning the public that any accounts claiming to represent them or project their views are fraudulent.
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“Any such accounts claiming association with them or purporting to project their views on any matter, are false and should be disregarded and
dismissed with unreserved contempt,” he said.
Charamba said authorities were coordinating with telecommunications regulators in Nigeria and South Africa to apprehend the perpetrators, while urging the public to verify all communication and report suspicious activity to the police.
