By Admore Mbonda, Kariba
A 31-year-old man from Karoi has been sentenced to prison after swindling unsuspecting Zimbabweans out of more than US$10,000 by masquerading as a game ranger employed by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks).
The case has exposed the growing vulnerability of job seekers amid Zimbabwe’s economic hardships and underscored the rising sophistication of employment-related fraud.
William Clive Makayi was convicted in the Karoi Magistrates’ Court on six counts of fraud and one count of impersonating a public official.
He was sentenced to an effective 36 months in prison for offences committed between June 2023 and October 2025.
Makayi targeted victims from Magunje, Karoi, Zvimba, Chinhoyi, and Harare, luring them with false promises of recruitment and training opportunities at Lake Chivero and Marongora National Park.
Posing as a legitimate ZimParks officer, he used fake authority, official-looking uniforms, and convincing narratives to demand upfront payments for uniforms, trunks, and training fees.
Many victims were left financially devastated, with some losing their life savings in pursuit of what they believed were genuine employment opportunities.
“I thought I was investing in my future,” said one victim who requested anonymity. “Instead, I lost my hard-earned money and was left with nothing to show for it.”
The scam was uncovered following a tip-off to law enforcement authorities, who later recovered ZimParks uniforms and related items from Makayi’s residence.
The discovery confirmed the extent of the impersonation and deception.
In the wake of the case, calls have intensified for greater public awareness and education on fraudulent recruitment schemes, particularly as economic pressures continue to push desperate job seekers into the hands of scammers.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities that may indicate fraud.
As communities continue to grapple with the fallout, authorities warn that caution and verification are essential to avoid falling victim to similar scams in the future.
About Author
