Man Charged After Impersonating Former Ambassador in US$2,950 Scam

A Harare man has appeared in court charged with fraud after allegedly impersonating a former ambassador and defrauding a resident of US$2,950 through an EcoCash scam (image source)

HARARE — A 43-year-old man has appeared in court facing fraud charges after allegedly impersonating Zimbabwe’s former Ambassador to South Africa and swindling a Harare resident out of nearly US$3,000.

The accused, Tinashe Munhuweyi, was remanded in custody to January 21 pending a bail application. Prosecutors told the court that the alleged scam unfolded in December 2025 and relied on deception and emotional manipulation.

According to court papers, the complainant, Mr Webster Marechera, was contacted by a person claiming to be former ambassador David Hamadziripi, who said he urgently needed money to assist a son stranded in Victoria Falls with a broken-down vehicle. Believing the request to be genuine, Marechera transferred US$180 into an EcoCash account supplied by the caller.

The alleged impersonation continued, with the accused later claiming that his mother was ill in Chiredzi and required urgent medical assistance. Prosecutors said Marechera sent a further US$2,770 in instalments, bringing the total amount lost to US$2,950.

Suspicions arose after repeated requests for money and inconsistencies in the communications. Marechera subsequently reported the matter to police, prompting investigations that led to Munhuweyi’s arrest. The State alleges that the accused deliberately misrepresented his identity and that the funds were deposited into accounts under his control.

(image source)

The prosecution will argue that the impersonation and receipt of money constitute fraud under Zimbabwean law. Legal analysts note that the State must establish a clear link between the accused and the mobile money accounts used, as well as intent to deceive.

The case highlights the growing prevalence of electronic and impersonation scams, with authorities urging the public to verify identities before sending money and to treat unsolicited requests for urgent financial assistance with caution. Mobile money operators and financial institutions have also been called upon to strengthen fraud detection and cooperate swiftly with law enforcement.

Munhuweyi appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Rufaro Panavanhu, with a bail hearing expected later this month. Police say investigations are ongoing to determine whether the accused acted alone or as part of a wider fraud network.