Bulawayo Man in Court Over ATM Card Swapping Syndicate

BULAWAYO – A 31-year-old Mpopoma man, Caleb Murahwa, has appeared before the Bulawayo Magistrate’s Court facing multiple fraud charges after allegedly being caught with 21 stolen bank cards. Murahwa is accused of posing as a "Good Samaritan" to elderly and unsuspecting citizens struggling with Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) before swapping their cards for invalid ones.

The court heard that on March 31, Murahwa targeted 53-year-old Martha Maphosa at a commercial bank in the Bulawayo city centre. When Maphosa encountered difficulties with an ATM, Murahwa offered assistance, allegedly using the moment to swap her card and attempt to flee.

Maphosa’s quick realization triggered a chase involving bank security and members of the public. Upon his arrest and subsequent search, police recovered 21 debit cards belonging to various individuals, including a card belonging to one Prince Mapupu, which had been handed to Maphosa in the swap.

• Accused: Caleb Murahwa (Mpopoma)

• Magistrate: Themba Chimiso

• Prosecutor: Rumbidzai Gwishiri

• Next Court Date: April 8, 2026 (Commencement of trial)

Murahwa’s case highlights a broader surge in financial crimes as Zimbabweans increasingly rely on plastic money. Criminal syndicates are reportedly using brief distractions to pass victims' cards through skimming devices, creating duplicates for unauthorized transactions.

In a similar high-profile case, James Malolo of Emthunzini was recently apprehended in possession of 78 active Zimswitch cards. Malolo allegedly used the cards to make fraudulent bulk purchases at wholesalers. His activities were uncovered when a Harare woman was alerted by a vigilant till operator to a suspicious US$12,000 transaction made on her account.

CCTV footage later identified Malolo as a regular customer at the wholesaler involved.

Security Tips for ATM Users

• Never accept help from strangers at an ATM; if you encounter issues, seek assistance only from uniformed bank staff inside the branch.

• Verify your card immediately after every transaction to ensure it has not been swapped.

• Monitor SMS alerts for unauthorized transactions and report discrepancies to your bank and the police instantly.

Bulawayo ATM card swapping fraud 2026