An imposter posing as the minister of Lands and agriculture Perrance Shiri is said to be named after the government department discovered his machinations.

The individual, believed to be a male, is reportedly using the minister’s name to enforce transactions.

The Deputy Minister, Davis Marapira spoke of this as he revealed to the public that they should be aware of fraudsters pretending to be Perrance Shiri who are demanding money from unsuspecting land seekers.

Marapira said the fraudsters are using the number 0772944530, a phone number registered under Mercey Shiri who is not at all related to his boss, Gen. Shiri. He said the Minister does not charge land seekers administration fees or any levy for processing applications.

He said, “the modus operandi behind the fraudulent activities is that several individuals have been phoned by an individual or individuals purporting to be Minister Shiri or representing him. The bogus persons would communicate that the recipient’s application for land has been approved or that its processing is at an advanced stage before demanding money.” – state media