Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has warned about an unidentified individual impersonating the responsible Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka, in an attempt to extort money from members of the public.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry said the impostor has been contacting people using foreign-registered mobile numbers, falsely claiming to be Dr Masuka and soliciting funds.
“The Ministry wishes to alert the public to an ongoing scam involving an unidentified individual impersonating the Honourable Minister, Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka, with the intention of extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public,” it said.
According to the Ministry, the scammer is reportedly using mobile numbers +234 803 655 3392, +234 815 456 1147 and +234 916 485 5151.
The Ministry categorically dismissed the claims, stressing that Dr Masuka does not use WhatsApp or any foreign-registered mobile numbers for either official or personal communication.
“The Ministry categorically states that Dr Masuka is not on the WhatsApp platform and does not use any foreign-registered mobile numbers for official or personal communication,” it said, urging members of the public to ignore, block and report any communication originating from the listed numbers, or any similar messages purporting to be from the Minister or the Ministry.
The Ministry also called on the public to remain vigilant and to verify all communications through its official platforms.
New Ziana
