News / National
Former soldier loses pension in fraud scheme by ex-colleague
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A former Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) member, Forward Mapfunde of Warren Park D in Harare, is counting significant losses after his pension funds were fraudulently stolen by a former colleague who retired alongside him last year.
Mapfunde has taken legal action against Tigere Dube, 43, who appeared before Harare Magistrate Ruth Moyo on charges of fraud. Dube, now residing in Mbobola Village under Chief Masunda in Zvishavane, was stationed at the Ordinance Supply Depot in the Southern Region during his military service.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, on September 23, 2024, Mapfunde received a lump sum pension payout amounting to USD $13,003.34 and ZWL $14,041 through his National Building Society (NBS) accounts linked to his Econet mobile number.
Between September 28 and 30, 2024, Dube and accomplices identified only as Lucky and Jake reportedly obtained a fake national identity card bearing Mapfunde's personal details but with Dube's face. Using the forged ID, Dube visited an Econet shop in Rushinga to replace Mapfunde's SIM card.
With control over the SIM card, Dube and his accomplices downloaded the NBS bank mobile application, linked it to Mapfunde's phone number, and proceeded to transfer funds from Mapfunde's NBS nostro and ZiG accounts into an Ecocash account they controlled.
Subsequently, Dube withdrew money from various Econet agents in Harare and made multiple ZIPIT transactions, diverting the stolen funds to several mobile money services and bank accounts under their control.
On September 30, 2024, Mapfunde experienced network issues and visited an Econet shop to reactivate his line. Upon regaining control, he discovered the fraudulent transactions and immediately reported the matter to Harare Central Police Station. The case was referred to the CID Commercial Crimes Department for investigation.
The total amount stolen is estimated at USD $10,000 and ZiG $12,230, with no funds recovered to date.
Dube is currently in custody and awaiting bail determination as the court continues to probe the case.
Mapfunde has taken legal action against Tigere Dube, 43, who appeared before Harare Magistrate Ruth Moyo on charges of fraud. Dube, now residing in Mbobola Village under Chief Masunda in Zvishavane, was stationed at the Ordinance Supply Depot in the Southern Region during his military service.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, on September 23, 2024, Mapfunde received a lump sum pension payout amounting to USD $13,003.34 and ZWL $14,041 through his National Building Society (NBS) accounts linked to his Econet mobile number.
Between September 28 and 30, 2024, Dube and accomplices identified only as Lucky and Jake reportedly obtained a fake national identity card bearing Mapfunde's personal details but with Dube's face. Using the forged ID, Dube visited an Econet shop in Rushinga to replace Mapfunde's SIM card.
Subsequently, Dube withdrew money from various Econet agents in Harare and made multiple ZIPIT transactions, diverting the stolen funds to several mobile money services and bank accounts under their control.
On September 30, 2024, Mapfunde experienced network issues and visited an Econet shop to reactivate his line. Upon regaining control, he discovered the fraudulent transactions and immediately reported the matter to Harare Central Police Station. The case was referred to the CID Commercial Crimes Department for investigation.
The total amount stolen is estimated at USD $10,000 and ZiG $12,230, with no funds recovered to date.
Dube is currently in custody and awaiting bail determination as the court continues to probe the case.
Source - NewZimbabwe
