Scammer impersonates ex-Zimbabwe envoy to SA

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a warning about scammers impersonating Zimbabwe's former ambassador to South Africa, David Hamadziripi, in a bid to defraud unsuspecting victims.

Hamadziripi currently serves as Zimbabwe's ambassador to the United States. Ministry spokesperson Philisiwe Chidawanyika said the impostor has targeted several individuals, including high-profile figures in Zimbabwe, by falsely claiming to be the ambassador and claiming to be in urgent distress. Victims were approached under the pretext of providing financial assistance.

According to the ministry, the scammer has been using WhatsApp to contact victims through the South African mobile number +27 67 213 3253. "The public is advised to take note that Ambassador Hamadziripi is no longer based in South Africa and has ceased to use telephone numbers with the +27 country code," Chidawanyika said.

The ministry confirmed that the ambassador is safe at his current post in the United States. Authorities urged members of the public to exercise caution when engaging through digital platforms, especially when asked for money in the name of government officials or diplomats.

Chidawanyika encouraged people to verify any communication allegedly coming from the ministry or Zimbabwe's embassies abroad through official channels. The ministry said it would continue working with relevant authorities to protect the public from fraud carried out in the name of Zimbabwe's diplomatic offices.