HARARE – The Zimbabwean government has issued an urgent alert to citizens about a rise in scams, with perpetrators posing as Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and his wife, Miniyothabo Baloyi Chiwenga, to solicit money and personal information.
Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications George Charamba on Tuesday issued a statement stating that the imposters were using foreign telephone numbers, including lines from South Africa and Nigeria, to contact citizens and foreigners while falsely claiming links to the Vice President’s Office.
The individuals are reportedly soliciting money, services and personal information under false pretences.
Authorities identified several numbers allegedly used in the scheme, including +234 8083483315, +234 7038120794 and +277 25956982. Government said it is working with telecommunications regulators in Nigeria and South Africa to track down those responsible.
He added that official correspondence follows formal channels handled by designated personnel.
“We urge those affected to be vigilant and verify any communication purporting to be from the Vice President’s Office, or from his wife.
“Any and all official communication involving the Vice President, his Office or his household follows proper, official channels, and is handled by persons employed for that purpose,” Charamba stated.
The warning also extended to social media, with the government stating that both Vice President Chiwenga and his wife do not have accounts on X (formerly Twitter). Any profiles claiming to represent them were described as fake and misleading.
The impersonation alert comes at a time when Colonel Baloyi has been in the spotlight following her recent reassignment within the Zimbabwe National Army.
She was moved from a military intelligence role to the Commander’s Pool, a unit typically reserved for officers without specific duties.
While some sources close to Chiwenga have alleged victimisation, others aligned with President Emmerson Mnangagwa say the reassignment allows her to travel more freely with the Vice President without affecting operational responsibilities.
The development has also drawn public commentary from political figures, including former cabinet minister Jonathan Moyo, who recently raised concerns about alleged leaks within the intelligence establishment, and Temba Mliswa, who questioned the appropriateness of Colonel Baloyi’s continued role in the military given her position as Second Lady.
In a related development, a statement circulated on social media purporting to be from Colonel Baloyi was dismissed as fraudulent.
The message, which claimed to explain her silence on political matters as a constitutional obligation, is now understood to have originated from an impersonator.
Officials have urged members of the public to report suspected cases to the Zimbabwe Republic Police or relevant government offices, warning that the scams pose risks not only to individuals but also to the integrity of public institutions.
