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Police bust suspected employment scam targeting job seekers
2 hrs ago |
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Two women have been arrested in connection with an alleged employment scam that targeted job seekers in Harare, while police continue searching for the suspected ringleader who remains at large.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the arrests followed investigations into a syndicate accused of defrauding people by falsely promising them employment opportunities.
The suspects, Clara Chiwashira (29) of Kuwadzana Extension and Chipo Masuka (22) of Rugare, were arrested on Friday.
Police allege that the group's suspected leader, Charles Chizimbe, also known as "Boss Kevy," of Marondera, is still on the run.
According to police, the suspects allegedly operated through a WhatsApp group called "Job Opportunities", which reportedly ran from offices at Barts House in central Harare.
Commissioner Nyathi said the syndicate allegedly lured job seekers by advertising vacancies for domestic workers, till operators and other general employment opportunities.
"The police in Harare arrested two suspects in connection with cyber-related crimes," Comm Nyathi said.
"The two and their accomplice who is still at large would lure job seekers by claiming they had jobs, including housemaids, till operators and other general work."
Police allege that victims were charged between US$400 and US$500 in exchange for the promised jobs and were issued with receipts after making payments.
"So far, about 35 victims have reported, and more people might have lost money through this. We are urging anyone who was affected to come forward and report," Comm Nyathi said.
Investigations are continuing, and police have appealed to members of the public with information that may assist in locating Chizimbe to report to the nearest police station.
In a separate case, Commissioner Nyathi confirmed the arrest of 35-year-old Melusi Pelile in Budiriro on allegations of armed robbery.
Police allege that Pelile, a former member of the uniformed services who reportedly absconded from duty, is linked to 31 armed robbery cases committed in Budiriro and Glenview since last year.
Investigations into both matters are ongoing.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the arrests followed investigations into a syndicate accused of defrauding people by falsely promising them employment opportunities.
The suspects, Clara Chiwashira (29) of Kuwadzana Extension and Chipo Masuka (22) of Rugare, were arrested on Friday.
Police allege that the group's suspected leader, Charles Chizimbe, also known as "Boss Kevy," of Marondera, is still on the run.
According to police, the suspects allegedly operated through a WhatsApp group called "Job Opportunities", which reportedly ran from offices at Barts House in central Harare.
Commissioner Nyathi said the syndicate allegedly lured job seekers by advertising vacancies for domestic workers, till operators and other general employment opportunities.
"The police in Harare arrested two suspects in connection with cyber-related crimes," Comm Nyathi said.
"The two and their accomplice who is still at large would lure job seekers by claiming they had jobs, including housemaids, till operators and other general work."
Police allege that victims were charged between US$400 and US$500 in exchange for the promised jobs and were issued with receipts after making payments.
"So far, about 35 victims have reported, and more people might have lost money through this. We are urging anyone who was affected to come forward and report," Comm Nyathi said.
Investigations are continuing, and police have appealed to members of the public with information that may assist in locating Chizimbe to report to the nearest police station.
In a separate case, Commissioner Nyathi confirmed the arrest of 35-year-old Melusi Pelile in Budiriro on allegations of armed robbery.
Police allege that Pelile, a former member of the uniformed services who reportedly absconded from duty, is linked to 31 armed robbery cases committed in Budiriro and Glenview since last year.
Investigations into both matters are ongoing.
Source - The Herald
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