The Department of Presidential Communications has issued a stern warning to the public regarding fraudulent individuals falsely representing the Office of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and his spouse, Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi Chiwenga.
These impostors are reportedly engaging in illicit activities, including soliciting funds, services, and personal information from unsuspecting citizens and foreigners.
Presidential spokesperson George Charamba, in a statement released on Tuesday, March 17, disclosed that these deceptive actors are utilising various communication channels, notably South African and Nigerian telephone numbers, to perpetrate their schemes. The Department emphasised the malicious intent behind these actions, urging heightened vigilance among the populace.
Charamba underscored the importance of verifying any communication purportedly originating from the Vice President’s Office or his family. He clarified that all official correspondence involving the Vice President, his office, or household adheres to established protocols and is managed by designated personnel.
Furthermore, the Department explicitly stated that neither the Honourable Vice President nor his wife maintain official accounts on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Any profiles claiming association with them or purporting to articulate their views on any matter are unequivocally false and should be dismissed with absolute contempt.
To date, the impersonators have employed several telephone numbers in their attempts to mimic Vice President Chiwenga and his wife. These include:
+234 8083483315
+234 7038120794
+277 25956982
Mr. Charamba confirmed that relevant government agencies are actively collaborating with telecommunication authorities in both Nigeria and South Africa to ensure the apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrators.
Members of the public are strongly encouraged to report any instances of impersonation or suspicious contact immediately to the authorities. The following official channels are available for reporting:
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP): +263 242 703111
Office of the President and Cabinet: +263 242 707091
Vice President’s Office: +263 242 707121
This advisory serves as a critical reminder for all citizens to exercise extreme caution and verify the authenticity of any communication claiming affiliation with high-ranking government officials.
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