Blessing Nduku
The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has issued a strong warning to the public regarding fraudulent recruitment advertisements circulating on social media platforms.
The ZNA states that scammers are misusing these fake notices to deceive and defraud unsuspecting citizens.
In a press statement released by the Army Headquarters Public Relations Directorate in Harare, the ZNA expressed concern over the widespread circulation of a bogus advert that falsely claims the army is recruiting general duty soldiers for 2026.
The army clarified that it has not announced any recruitment for general duty soldiers this year and urged the public to remain vigilant against individuals posing as recruitment agents.
“The Zimbabwe National Army would like to inform the public to be on the lookout for a fake ZNA recruitment advertisement circulating on social media,” the statement noted.
According to the ZNA, the false advertisement was created and distributed by “mischief makers” intending to mislead people and steal money from desperate job seekers, particularly unemployed youths hoping to join the military. The ZNA emphasized that it does not use social media for recruitment purposes; instead, it relies on formal communication channels—including electronic and print media—to announce official recruitment processes.
“In light of this, the ZNA categorically states that the organization has not issued any recruitment advertisement for general duty soldiers for 2026,” the statement indicated. The army further emphasized that it does not engage third parties or private agents to conduct recruitment on its behalf and does not charge applicants any fees during the recruitment process.
This warning comes at a time when many young Zimbabweans are actively seeking employment opportunities, making them particularly vulnerable to scams that promise quick access to jobs in government institutions. Security experts note that fraudsters often exploit public trust in institutions like the military, police, and civil service by creating fake notices that appear official and convincing.
The ZNA warned that anyone found engaging in illegal recruitment activities or falsely claiming to represent the army would face prosecution. “Therefore, anyone caught claiming to be involved in recruitment for the ZNA will be prosecuted,” the statement added.
The public is urged to report any suspicious individuals masquerading as army recruitment agents immediately. The military has provided hotline numbers for the Military Police: 0712842318 and 0772258410, and encourages citizens to report suspicious activities to the nearest Zimbabwe Republic Police station or military camp for prompt action.
The statement was signed by Colonel Hlengiwe Dube, Director of Army Public Relations, who reiterated the army’s commitment to protecting citizens from fraud and ensuring transparency in its operations.
Observers note that this warning is timely, particularly as fake job advertisements have become increasingly common on social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook, where scammers target vulnerable individuals seeking employment.
Victims of such scams are often asked to pay “processing fees,” “registration fees,” or transport costs, only to later discover that the recruitment exercise does not exist. Authorities continue to urge Zimbabweans to verify all job advertisements through official government channels before making payments or sharing personal documents.
The ZNA’s latest warning serves as a reminder for the public to exercise caution and treat all unofficial recruitment announcements with skepticism. As online fraud continues to rise, the army stresses that public cooperation is critical in identifying and stopping criminals who exploit job seekers through fake recruitment schemes.
