Two Arrested Over Fake Zimbabwe National Army Recruitment Scam

By Percy Nhara | Southerton Business Times

HARARE – The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has arrested two suspected bogus recruitment agents accused of attempting to defraud a job seeker by falsely claiming they could facilitate enlistment into the military in exchange for US$150. In a statement issued on Tuesday, 14 July, Director Army Public Relations Colonel Hlengiwe Dube said Lyton Katedza (23) and Tadiwa Goriwoto (17) were arrested by the Zimbabwe Military Police on 11 July 2026 at Market Square Bus Terminus in Harare's central business district.

According to the ZNA, Katedza allegedly posed as a military recruiting officer and approached Carey Chandipwisa (22) of Zengeza 4, Chitungwiza, claiming he could secure his recruitment into the army.

"Circumstances are that Katedza, allegedly claiming to be a ZNA recruiting officer, contacted Carey Chandipwisa (22) of House Number 11328, Zengeza 4, Chitungwiza, and reportedly told the young man that he could facilitate his recruitment into the Army in exchange for a US$150 'processing' fee," said Colonel Dube.

The complainant reportedly expressed interest before becoming suspicious about the request for payment.

"The victim, Chandipwisa, developed interest and was allegedly told to pay the said facilitation fee."

Colonel Dube said Chandipwisa reported the matter to the Zimbabwe Military Police, who organised a sting operation that resulted in Katedza's arrest.

"It is further alleged that Chandipwisa became suspicious over the demand for money and reported the matter to Zimbabwe Military Police details, who then set up a trap leading to the arrest of Katedza."

During questioning, Katedza allegedly implicated Goriwoto, leading to the teenager's subsequent arrest. The two suspects were later handed over to ZRP Harare Central for further investigations and possible prosecution.

The Zimbabwe National Army has urged members of the public, particularly young job seekers, to remain vigilant against fraudsters claiming they can influence military recruitment.

Colonel Dube emphasised that ZNA recruitment is free of charge and is conducted through official channels only.

"The ZNA wishes to advise members of the public that recruitment into the Army is never conducted through third parties, middlemen or paid facilitators."

She warned that anyone demanding money in exchange for recruitment is operating illegally.

The army encouraged members of the public to report suspected recruitment scams to the nearest ZNA camp, police station, or directly to the Zimbabwe Military Police Investigations Branch on 0712 842 318 or (0242) 252 094.

"The ZNA remains committed to protecting the public from manipulation and ensuring that those who prey on desperate job seekers face the full wrath of the law," Colonel Dube said.

Authorities have repeatedly warned that official recruitment into the Zimbabwe National Army is publicly advertised and that applicants are never required to pay processing or facilitation fees.

Zimbabwe National Army recruitment scam