Harare Duo Arrested Over Alleged Zimbabwe Army Recruitment Fraud

By Staff Reporter

Two men have been arrested in Harare after allegedly posing as Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) recruitment agents and demanding US$150 from a job seeker in exchange for a promised place in the army.

The suspects, 23-year-old Lyton Katedza and 17-year-old Tadiwa Goriwoto, were arrested by the Zimbabwe Military Police on 11 July at the Market Square bus terminus in Harare’s central business district.

Job Seeker Raised Alarm After Money Demand

According to a statement issued by ZNA Director of Army Public Relations Colonel Hlengiwe Dube, Katedza allegedly approached 22-year-old Carey Chandipwisa of Zengeza 4, Chitungwiza, claiming he could facilitate his recruitment into the army.

The suspect allegedly demanded a US$150 processing fee for the purported recruitment arrangement.

Chandipwisa reportedly became suspicious of the request and informed the Zimbabwe Military Police, who then organised a sting operation that resulted in Katedza’s arrest.

During investigations, Katedza allegedly implicated Goriwoto, leading to the teenager’s subsequent arrest. Both suspects were later handed over to Zimbabwe Republic Police Harare Central for further investigations.

ZNA Distances Itself from Recruitment Agents

Colonel Dube warned members of the public to be wary of individuals claiming they can secure army positions in exchange for payment.

“The Zimbabwe National Army does not use agents, middlemen or third parties during its recruitment process, and no applicant is required to pay any fee,” she said.

She urged anyone approached by such individuals to report the matter immediately to the nearest ZNA camp, police station, or the Zimbabwe Military Police Investigations Branch.

Army Pledges Continued Crackdown

The ZNA said it remains committed to protecting job seekers from recruitment scams and ensuring that anyone exploiting unemployed youths through fraudulent recruitment schemes is brought before the courts.

The arrests come amid growing concerns over fake recruitment syndicates targeting desperate job seekers across Zimbabwe.