Two arrested over fake WhatsApp jobs scam as police nab robbery suspect

HARARE – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested two women accused of defrauding more than 100 job seekers through a fake WhatsApp employment scheme, while separately apprehending a suspect linked to 34 armed robbery cases in Harare's western suburbs. In a statement, police identified the fraud suspects as Clara Chiwashira (20) and Chipo Masuku (22).

According to the ZRP, the pair allegedly lured job seekers into a WhatsApp group called "Job Opportunities", where they advertised fake employment opportunities as till operators, housekeepers and merchandisers.

"The ZRP arrested two suspects, Clara Chiwashira (20) and Chipo Masuku (22), for committing fraud through social media platforms. The suspects duped over 100 people of amounts ranging from USD100 each after luring the purported applicants to join a WhatsApp group dubbed 'Job Opportunities'," police said.

Investigators allege that victims were required to pay fees of about US$100 each in exchange for promised employment. However, the advertised jobs never materialised after the payments were made. Police are now appealing for information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects' alleged accomplice, identified only as Boss Kevy, also known as Charles Chizimbe.

In a separate operation, police arrested Melusi Delile (35) in connection with 34 armed robbery cases reported in Budiriro, Glenview, Glen Norah and Highfields. According to the ZRP, Delile allegedly targeted pedestrians using isolated footpaths, bus stops and poorly lit areas before robbing them of cellphones, cash and other valuables. Police believe he worked with a gang of four or five accomplices, who remain at large. Investigations into both cases are continuing.

The latest arrests come amid growing concern over online employment scams targeting desperate job seekers through social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook. Police have urged members of the public to verify job advertisements before making any payments and warned that genuine employers rarely demand recruitment fees from prospective employees. Authorities also appealed to anyone with information that could assist in locating the outstanding robbery suspects or the alleged fraud accomplice to report to the nearest police station. The accused will appear in court to answer the charges. Under Zimbabwean law, they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Zimbabwe WhatsApp job scam