Bulawayo police warn residents about rise in street scams

Police in Bulawayo have cautioned residents to remain vigilant following an increase in two prevalent street scams, locally known as Chadonha and Ukuqhatshwa.

Acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu said criminals are targeting unsuspecting members of the public with schemes promising quick money or short-term employment, only for victims to be robbed.

"In the Chadonha scam, criminals deliberately drop what appears to be cash or a wallet in front of a potential victim in a public space," Ndlovu explained. "Accomplices then engage the victim in conversation and lure them into a secluded location under the pretext of sharing the found money. Once isolated, the victim is robbed of their possessions, including cash, bank cards, mobile phones, or important documents, and may be left with counterfeit notes or worthless paper."

The Ukuqhatshwa scam involves fraudsters posing as employers offering temporary work, often involving the delivery or offloading of goods at nearby warehouses. Victims are told their personal belongings cannot be taken to the worksite and are asked to surrender them for "safekeeping," only for the scammers to disappear with the items.

Ndlovu urged the public to exercise caution. "Do not engage in money-sharing schemes or hand over personal belongings to strangers. Avoid following unknown individuals to secluded locations. There is no legitimate job offering on the streets," she warned.

Police have encouraged residents to report suspicious individuals or incidents immediately to the nearest station and advised job-seekers and travellers to stay alert to avoid falling victim to these deceptive practices.