Tinotenda Hove – The Department of Presidential Communications has issued a warning to members of the public over fraudsters pretending to represent the Office of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and his wife, Miniyothabo Baloyi Chiwenga.

In a statement released on Tuesday, 17 March, presidential spokesperson George Charamba said the suspects are using foreign phone numbers, including those registered in South Africa and Nigeria, to contact both Zimbabweans and foreign nationals.

Authorities believe the individuals are acting with criminal intent, attempting to trick people into sending money, providing services, or sharing personal information.

Charamba urged the public to be cautious and to verify any communication claiming to come from the Vice President’s office or his family.
“We urge those affected to be vigilant and verify any communication purporting to be from the Vice President’s Office, or from his wife,” said Charamba.

He stressed that all official communication connected to the Vice President follows formal government procedures.

“Any and all official communication involving the Vice President, his Office or his household follows proper, official channels, and is handled by persons employed for that purpose,” he said.

Charamba also clarified that neither Chiwenga nor his wife operates social media accounts on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Further, the Department wishes to inform the public that both the Honourable Vice President and his wife do not have Twitter (X) accounts,” he said.

“Any such accounts claiming association with them, or purporting to project their views on any matter, are false and should be disregarded and dismissed with unreserved contempt.”

The government revealed that the scammers have been using several numbers to impersonate the Vice President and his spouse, including +234 8083483315, +234 7038120794 and +277 25956982.

According to Charamba, authorities are already working with telecommunications regulators in Nigeria and South Africa to track down the individuals behind the scheme.

He urged members of the public to immediately report any suspected impersonation to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on +263 242 703111, the Office of the President and Cabinet on +263 242 707091, or the Vice President’s Office on +263 242 707121.