A 42-year-old man has been arrested in Harare after allegedly masquerading as a senior officer in the Zimbabwe National Army and soliciting money from job seekers under the guise of facilitating recruitment into the military.
Hardlife Nyoni, who works as a general hand at Mkoba Teachers College, was apprehended in Harare’s central business district on May 13, 2026, following information supplied by members of the public.
Investigators say Nyoni operated using the alias “General Talent Nyoni”, circulating messages in a WhatsApp group earlier this year claiming he was overseeing recruitment into the ZNA. He allegedly targeted unemployed youths seeking to join the army, promising to assist their applications in exchange for payment.
One prospective recruit who contacted Nyoni was reportedly instructed to pay US$100 to have his application processed, after being told he lacked the necessary academic qualifications. Suspicious of the request, the job seeker alerted Military Police and arranged a meeting near Harare Central Police Station where the money was to be handed over.
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Nyoni was arrested at the agreed meeting point. Authorities recovered academic certificates and a pair of handcuffs allegedly used to reinforce the impression that he was a legitimate army officer.
During questioning, Nyoni is said to have admitted to duping another victim of US$200 using a similar approach.
He has since been transferred to Zimbabwe Republic Police Harare Central for further investigations.
The Zimbabwe National Army has warned citizens to remain vigilant against individuals falsely claiming to represent the military. Army spokesperson Colonel Hlengiwe Dube emphasised that recruitment into the ZNA is conducted through official channels and does not require any payment.
The army urged members of the public to report suspected impersonators to the nearest army camp or police station. Reports can also be made directly to the Zimbabwe Military Police or the Army Public Relations Directorate through their official contact numbers.
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