The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a public warning urging citizens to exercise caution when responding to job and dating advertisements posted on social media platforms. The call comes in the wake of an incident involving a fake job offer that resulted in the sexual assault of a young woman.
According to police reports, the victim, a 21-year-old woman from Chipinge, responded to a social media advert seeking a shop attendant. The position was allegedly offered by an individual posing as a businessperson. After engaging with the offer, she traveled to Chingono Village in Rusape.
Upon arrival, the suspect allegedly lured the woman under false pretenses before  abusing her on March 25, 2025. The suspect has since been identified as a bogus employer, with no legitimate business operation linked to the advertised vacancy.
Authorities emphasize the importance of verifying the authenticity of employment opportunities and the credibility of individuals or organizations involved. The ZRP is calling on the public to conduct thorough background checks before engaging with unknown parties online.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing. Meanwhile, police are urging members of the public to report suspicious advertisements and refrain from sharing personal information or traveling to unfamiliar locations based on unverifiable offers.
