A months-long police investigation into a suspected fake-currency fraud syndicate operating in Harare has culminated in the arrest of two men believed to be behind a string of scams targeting online sellers across the city.
Police said the suspects, identified as Agrippa Chivhenge and Edious Rungano, were apprehended by armed Criminal Investigation Department (CID) detectives on Wednesday night. The duo was reportedly taken into custody while they were asleep at their rented residence in Marlborough, according to reports by ZimLive.
Authorities revealed that the two men had been on the police wanted list for nearly two years in connection with multiple fraud-related cases. Over that period, investigators had been pursuing leads linking them to numerous scams in Harare, particularly those exploiting social media and online marketplaces.
Following the arrests, scores of victims have been visiting Braeside Police Station to formally identify the suspects and provide statements. Police confirmed that Chivhenge and Rungano are facing dozens of fraud-related charges, with additional cases still being documented as investigations continue to uncover the full scope of their alleged criminal activities.
The alleged syndicate first attracted public attention in October when the suspects reportedly duped a local farmer out of 250 chickens. The men allegedly employed a clever but illegal tactic, using a bundle of obsolete Zimbabwe dollar notes concealed beneath a single US$1 bill to create the illusion of a US$1,500 payment. This incident marked the beginning of a series of similar scams targeting unsuspecting sellers across Harare.
Since that initial case, more than 100 victims have come forward, many of whom were selling items such as mobile phones, laptops, and other electronic equipment through social media platforms. Investigators said the suspects had perfected a modus operandi in which they would present fake currency in a way that appeared genuine, tricking victims into releasing valuable goods without receiving proper payment.
“The arrest of these suspects is the result of months of careful investigation and intelligence gathering,” a police spokesperson said. “We urge all victims of fraud, particularly those who have not yet come forward, to report their cases so that justice can be served.”
Long-Running Hunt Ends as Suspects in Fake Currency Case Are Apprehended
Police added that Chivhenge and Rungano were part of a broader network, and authorities are continuing to investigate whether other individuals were involved in the syndicate. Officers are also examining whether the men had accomplices who helped facilitate the distribution of counterfeit currency or assisted in identifying potential victims.
Local residents and online sellers have welcomed the arrests, describing the alleged scams as a significant threat to commerce and personal security. Many sellers expressed relief that police had finally apprehended the suspects after months of frustration and financial loss.
The case highlights ongoing concerns over the use of social media platforms as channels for fraud in Zimbabwe. Authorities have warned online sellers to exercise caution when transacting with unknown buyers and to verify payments before releasing goods.
Chivhenge and Rungano are expected to appear in court on Friday, where they will face multiple fraud charges. Police have emphasised that the men are presumed innocent until proven guilty and that all cases against them will be thoroughly investigated.
Investigators continue to encourage the public to report any information that may help authorities uncover additional fraud cases linked to the duo. Law enforcement officials have also pledged to intensify patrols and monitoring of online trading spaces to prevent similar scams from occurring in the future.
“This arrest sends a clear message that the police are committed to protecting members of the public from fraud and will use all available resources to apprehend those who exploit unsuspecting victims,” the spokesperson said.
As investigations proceed, police remain focused on ensuring that all victims receive the opportunity to have their grievances addressed in court. Authorities say that the success of the operation depended heavily on information provided by the public and appeals for continued community cooperation as the full extent of the syndicate’s activities is revealed.
Chivhenge and Rungano’s case is now expected to become a key test of Zimbabwe’s ongoing efforts to combat cyber-enabled and online fraud, demonstrating both the challenges and successes of law enforcement in addressing increasingly sophisticated criminal networks.
