By A Correspondent

In a troubling incident that highlights the dangers of online scams, Deputy Defence Minister Levi Mayihlome has reportedly fallen victim to fraud, losing a total of US$850.

The retired brigadier general was lured into the scheme through a Facebook advertisement by someone impersonating socialite Zodwa Mkandla, who promised substantial returns from “online cash trading.”

Mayihlome, 71, believed he was engaging with a friend due to the shared name, which contributed to his decision to invest. “I thought I was speaking with someone I knew,” he explained in a police statement.

The scam initially required an investment of US$200, which Mayihlome transferred to a mobile number associated with a Gilbert Makombe.

Following this transaction, the Deputy Minister was informed that his investment had yielded a profit of US$5,300. However, to access these supposed gains, he was asked to deposit an additional US$650.

Subsequent to this, Mayihlome complied with the scam’s demands and made further payments of US$500 and US$150 to another number linked to an individual named Austine Tafirei.

His concerns grew when he was later instructed to pay an additional US$365 for what the scammers labeled “inland tax revenue.” It was at this point that Mayihlome realized he had been duped.

In response to this incident, the Zimbabwe Republic Police issued a warning to the public, stating, “The ZRP warns the public against responding to social media investment scams on platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp.” They emphasized the need for vigilance as they continue to investigate a growing number of reports involving online fraud.

As the rise of digital platforms expands, so too does the threat of online scams, making it crucial for individuals to exercise caution and skepticism when approached with investment opportunities via social media.