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Presidential guard arrested in army recruitment scam
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A 39-year-old man appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court on fraud charges after allegedly posing as a soldier stationed at State House and duping members of the public.
Cornelleous Nduna appeared before magistrate Ruth Moyo and was remanded in custody to February 17 pending his bail application.
The State, represented by prosecutor Lawrence Gangarahwe, alleges that on February 9, 2026, Osward Musonza approached Nduna after receiving information that he was a State House soldier who could assist in evicting defaulting tenants from his property in Mbare.
Acting on the tip-off, Musonza contacted Nduna, who allegedly introduced himself as a member of the Presidential Guard. Nduna reportedly accompanied Musonza to the property and intimidated the tenants into vacating the premises.
While still in Musonza's company, Nduna allegedly overheard discussions about a planned visit to Stadmore Chodzova's homestead in Goromonzi. He reportedly offered to facilitate the recruitment of prospective candidates into the Zimbabwe National Army, including those without "O" Level qualifications, claiming to have connections at State House.
The court heard that Nduna demanded a US$30 processing fee per candidate. Upon arrival in Goromonzi, he allegedly asked Chodzova for US$50 to recruit his son, Kudzanayi. Chodzova reportedly handed over US$20 along with his son's personal details.
On the return trip to Harare, Musonza allegedly gave Nduna US$30 and the particulars of his own child, Tichaona Wilbert Musonza, for recruitment purposes.
However, after consulting his younger brother, Chodzova realised he had allegedly been defrauded.
A sting operation was subsequently arranged in the Harare central business district, where Nduna was lured to collect the remaining US$30 and an identity card. He was arrested on the spot by Military Police.
Investigations later revealed that Nduna is not a member of the Zimbabwe National Army but allegedly a conman masquerading as a soldier.
The matter is pending before the court.
Cornelleous Nduna appeared before magistrate Ruth Moyo and was remanded in custody to February 17 pending his bail application.
The State, represented by prosecutor Lawrence Gangarahwe, alleges that on February 9, 2026, Osward Musonza approached Nduna after receiving information that he was a State House soldier who could assist in evicting defaulting tenants from his property in Mbare.
Acting on the tip-off, Musonza contacted Nduna, who allegedly introduced himself as a member of the Presidential Guard. Nduna reportedly accompanied Musonza to the property and intimidated the tenants into vacating the premises.
While still in Musonza's company, Nduna allegedly overheard discussions about a planned visit to Stadmore Chodzova's homestead in Goromonzi. He reportedly offered to facilitate the recruitment of prospective candidates into the Zimbabwe National Army, including those without "O" Level qualifications, claiming to have connections at State House.
On the return trip to Harare, Musonza allegedly gave Nduna US$30 and the particulars of his own child, Tichaona Wilbert Musonza, for recruitment purposes.
However, after consulting his younger brother, Chodzova realised he had allegedly been defrauded.
A sting operation was subsequently arranged in the Harare central business district, where Nduna was lured to collect the remaining US$30 and an identity card. He was arrested on the spot by Military Police.
Investigations later revealed that Nduna is not a member of the Zimbabwe National Army but allegedly a conman masquerading as a soldier.
The matter is pending before the court.
Source - online
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