By Victor Fanuel
HARARE – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), has launched a manhunt for suspected cyber criminal Tranos Taurai Muzanenhamo, who is wanted in connection with a series of digital fraud cases involving fraudulent SIM card replacements and hacking that cost victims a combined US$17,009.50 and ZWG30,665,912.30.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Muzanenhamo allegedly orchestrated a sophisticated cyber fraud operation by obtaining victims’ personal information through phishing, data breaches, or by accessing public records, before using social engineering tactics to deceive mobile service providers.
“The suspect allegedly gathered personal information about the victims such as their names, phone numbers through various means like phishing, data breaches, or accessing public records.
“He used social engineering tactics to bypass security questions,” said Nyathi.
Once he had secured the required details, Muzanenhamo allegedly contacted the victims’ mobile service providers while impersonating them and requested SIM card replacements.
Commissioner Nyathi explained, “Once the SIM swap had been approved, he would activate the new SIM card resulting in the deactivation of the victim’s phone service and unauthorized access to their personal data.”
“Using this access, the suspect reportedly withdrew cash from mobile money wallets and digital bank accounts,” said Nyathi.
“As a result, the suspect withdrew cash from the victims’ mobile account wallets and banks through digital banking.
“Further, he would take control of the victims’ WhatsApp accounts before requesting cash from the victims’ contacts,” Nyathi added.
Nyathi has appealed to the public for any information that may lead to Muzanenhamo’s arrest, urging citizens to contact the nearest police station or the National Complaints Desk.
The police say the case underscores the growing threat of cyber-enabled crimes in Zimbabwe, where criminals are increasingly exploiting digital platforms to commit financial fraud.
Cybersecurity experts have warned that SIM-swap and mobile money fraud are escalating as Zimbabwe’s reliance on digital banking and mobile wallets deepens.
The 2024 Interpol Africa Cyberthreat Assessment reported that mobile money fraud, phishing, and social engineering scams were among the continent’s most widespread cybercrimes.
Likewise, a recent Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) report identified identity fraud—including SIM-swap scams—as one of the leading threats to mobile money users worldwide.
In Zimbabwe, the rapid expansion of digital financial services such as EcoCash, OneMoney, and Telecash has improved financial inclusion but also expanded the country’s exposure to cyber threats.
Local analysts cite weak identity verification systems, limited user awareness, and inadequate collaboration between telecom operators and financial institutions as major enablers of such crimes.
The Media Alliance of Zimbabwe recently warned that smishing (SMS-based phishing), hacking, and digital impersonation are increasingly common as cyber criminals exploit the public’s trust in digital platforms.
Government has taken steps to curb cybercrime through the Cyber and Data Protection Act, which criminalizes unauthorized data access, phishing, and online impersonation.
However, enforcement challenges persist due to limited digital forensics capacity and the fast-evolving nature of cyber threats.
The Muzanenhamo case has reignited debate on the need for closer cooperation between banks, telecom operators, and law enforcement agencies.
Security experts advise users to immediately contact their service providers if they lose network service unexpectedly, avoid sharing personal details online, and activate two-factor authentication where possible.
Nyathi went on to emphasize that police remain committed to tracking down cyber criminals and strengthening public awareness on online safety.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns members of the public to exercise caution and protect their personal information from online criminals,” he said.
The hunt for Muzanenhamo continues, with investigators hopeful that public assistance will lead to his arrest and help dismantle one of the most calculated SIM-swap fraud syndicates seen in Zimbabwe this year.
