Zim GBC News | Gender and Community
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a stern warning to the public regarding a sharp increase in two sophisticated scams known as “Chadonha” (The Dropped Money Trick) and “Ukuqhatshwa” (Fake Job Offers), which are leaving victims stranded and robbed of their valuables.
In an official statement, Bulawayo’s Deputy Press and Public Relations Officer, Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu, urged citizens to be on high alert against criminals offering large sums of money or deceptively lucrative job opportunities.
“We strongly advise the public to never engage in money-sharing schemes involving found cash or dropped items,” said Assistant Inspector Ndlovu.
“Refuse to surrender personal belongings to strangers under any circumstances and avoid following unknown individuals to secluded locations.”
The Chadonha scam involves criminals deliberately dropping a bundle of what appears to be cash in front of a targeted victim. An accomplice then approaches, pretending to have also seen the money, and lures the victim to a secluded area to discuss sharing the find. Once isolated, the victim is robbed of their cash, bank cards, phones, and personal documents, and is left with a bundle of worthless paper.
The second scam, Ukuqhatshwa, preys on job seekers. Fraudsters approach people at busy areas like bus ranks and growth points, offering well-paid short-term work, typically to offload a lorry.
Before reaching the supposed worksite, the victims are told their bags and phones are not allowed and must be surrendered for “safekeeping.” The scammers then disappear with all their belongings.
Assistant Inspector Ndlovu emphasized that genuine job offers are not made on the street.
“There is no such a thing as job offering on the streets. We urge all members of the public, especially job-seekers and travellers, to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to these deceptive tactics.”
The police have encouraged the public to report any suspicious individuals or incidents to the nearest police station immediately.
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