ZNA warns of bogus recruitment agents

Zim Now Writer

The Zimbabwe National Army has issued a warning to the public regarding the rise of fraudulent recruitment agents who are deceiving people by charging fees under the pretense of assisting them in joining the military.

In a statement released on Thursday, Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Alphios Makotore said that the ZNA does not charge any fees for recruitment or training.

He further clarified that the Army does not involve third parties in the recruitment process, and all medical examinations are conducted by the Army free of charge.

Colonel Makotore urged the public to verify the authenticity of any recruitment advertisements or agents through official ZNA channels to avoid falling victim to these scams. His statement read:

"The Zimbabwe National Army has noted with concern the increase in numbers of bogus recruiting agents targeting unsuspecting members of the public, fleecing them of their money.

"These criminals pose as recruitment officers conducting official recruitment programmes or exercises and demand money from prospective candidates.

"Unscrupulous individuals are using various tactics, including social media platforms and fake recruitment notices and advertisements, to deceive people into parting with their hard-earned money in exchange for false promises of employment within the ZNA.

"The ZNA is raising these concerns because the organization has issued several warnings and notices in both print and electronic media.

"However, members of the public continue to fall victim, as the criminals have now become so daring that they are flighting advertisements and notices on social media, requesting prospective candidates to present themselves for medical examinations.

“The ZNA would like to stress that it neither charges any fees for recruitment or training, nor involves third parties,” Makotore said.

He also reiterated that medical examinations are conducted by the Army, and no fees are charged for this service. Recruitment processes are carried out through official channels, and it is important to reiterate that all recruitments are free of charge.

"The public is advised to verify any recruitment advertisement or agent through official ZNA channels and confirm with any nearby ZNA camp when approached by individuals claiming to be ZNA recruitment agents.

"To avoid falling victim to these scams, the public must always verify the authenticity of any recruitment advertisement or agent through official ZNA channels. People are urged not to entertain any requests for payment or personal financial information.

"It is important for the public to note that all ZNA recruitment programmes are advertised in mainstream print and electronic media.

"Prospective applicants are expected to respond through written applications, after which selections are conducted at designated military camps across the country’s provinces.

"The ZNA remains committed to serving and protecting the nation and will not tolerate any actions that seek to undermine its integrity.

"The law enforcement agency will not hesitate to take action against those found perpetuating these scams.

"For further clarification, the public is free to contact the Army Recruitment Office on (0242) 707459, Army Public Relations Directorate on (0242) 700316, or cell number 0712 236 597. Zimbabwe Military Police hotlines can also be reached on (0242) 790591, 0712 842 318, or 0777 258 410."

“The ZNA remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and trust of the public in its recruitment processes,” he added.

The ZNA has urged members of the public are to report suspicious individuals masquerading as ZNA recruitment agents to the nearest army camp or Zimbabwe Republic Police Station.