FULL STATEMENT
The Zimbabwe Military Police on 13 May 2026 apprehended Hardlife Nyoni (42) from Waterfalls on allegations of unlawfully impersonating as a member of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA). The suspect, who works at Mkoba Teachers College as a general hand, was nabbed in Harare Central Business District following a tip off from members of the public that he was recruiting potential candidates on behalf of the Organisation.
Circumstances leading to Nyoni’s arrest are that sometime this year, the suspect allegedly sent a text message in a WhatsApp group under the alias ‘General Talent Nyoni’ purportedly saying he was looking for potential candidates for recruitment in the ZNA.
Following the distribution of the message, an interested party contacted the suspect who confirmed that indeed, he was recruiting and wanted US$100 to facilitate the process, as the applicant had no adequate qualifications needed. Sensing some abnormalities in the recruitment process, the ‘potential’ recruit alerted the Military Police and then lured the suspect into town where they met outside Harare Central Police Station to facilitate the transaction.
At the time of arrest, the suspect was in possession of various academic certificates and a pair of handcuffs, which he was using to authenticate his ‘modus operandi’, and upon questioning the suspect, he admitted to using the same trick on another victim he defrauded USD $200.
Nyoni was handed over to ZRP Harare Central for further management.
The ZNA urges members of the public to be on the lookout for unscrupulous elements masquerading as ZNA members duping the public. The Organisation reiterates that it does not engage third parties in their recruitment process nor charge a fee on applicants.
Any member who comes into contact with these criminals should come forward and report to the nearest Army Camp or Police Station. Alternatively, members of the public can contact the Zimbabwe Military Police on their hotline 0712 842 316 or Army Public Relations Directorate on 0712 905 377.
HLENGIWE DUBE
Colonel
Director Army Public Relations
