Harare police investigate robbery and gang rape following WhatsApp job scam

A 27-year-old woman from Gokwe was allegedly robbed and gang-raped by three men in the Kuwadzana suburb of Harare on September 14, 2026. The victim had traveled to the capital after responding to a job offer posted by strangers in a WhatsApp group.

According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the woman was instructed to meet the individuals in Kuwadzana, where she was subsequently attacked and stripped of her valuables. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that detectives are conducting comprehensive investigations to identify and apprehend the suspects.

Following the incident, the ZRP issued a public warning regarding unsolicited employment offers on social media. Commissioner Nyathi urged citizens to exercise caution when engaging with strangers online and to verify the credentials and identities of anyone offering jobs or other services.