By Desire Tshuma
HARARE — The Zimbabwe National Army Military Police have arrested a man accused of impersonating a soldier and defrauding people with fake recruitment promises.
Hardlife Nyoni, 42, of Waterfalls, was picked up in Harare’s Central Business District on 13 May 2026 after members of the public tipped off authorities. Nyoni, who works as a handyman at Mkoba Teachers College, is alleged to have been posing as a member of the Zimbabwe National Army.
According to a ZNA news release issued by the Army Headquarters Public Relations Directorate, the suspect sent a message in a WhatsApp group under the name “General Talent Nyoni” earlier this year, claiming he was looking for recruits for the ZNA.
When an interested party contacted him, Nyoni reportedly confirmed he was recruiting and demanded US$100 to facilitate the process. The potential recruit grew suspicious, alerted the Military Police, and arranged to meet Nyoni outside Harare Central Police Station.
At the time of arrest, Nyoni was found with various academic certificates and a pair of handcuffs, which he allegedly used to make his scheme appear legitimate. During questioning, he admitted to using the same method to defraud another victim of US$200.
Nyoni has since been handed over to ZRP Harare Central for further management.
The ZNA is warning the public to watch out for imposters posing as soldiers to dupe unsuspecting people. The army stressed that it does not use third parties in its recruitment process and does not charge applicants any fees.
Anyone who encounters such criminals is urged to report to the nearest army camp or police station. The public can also contact the Zimbabwe Military Police hotline on 0712 842 316 or the Army Public Relations Directorate on 0712 905 377.
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