Hackers wipe pensioner’s package after cloning sim card
By Staff Reporter
A 54-year-old pensioner was left traumatised after suspected hackers cloned his sim card before transferring his entire retirement package into their own accounts.
The crime happened in December 2023 but the case is pending before the Harare Magistrates’ Court where the suspects have been brought facing fraud.
The amount which was allegedly defrauded from the pensioner Edson Chisina, according to prosecutors, was of ZWL172,349,999 and US$733.
The suspects are Miriam Matiyenga, aged 47, of Chitungwiza, Chipo Moyana, aged 45, from Chishawasha and Oswald Nyika, aged 35, from Seke.
The three appeared before Harare regional magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa who granted them US$300 bail each.
They will be back in court on March 26 for their routine remand.
Representing the state, Anesu Chirenje said Chisina retired from the civil service on November 26, 2023 and was expecting his retirement package thereafter.
The court that on 21 December 2023, Chisina’s mobile number which was linked to his two bank accounts, experienced a loss of network service.
“On the same day, his retirement packages were deposited into his accounts, totalling ZWL370,759,874,73.
“The deposits were made while the complainant’s mobile network was unavailable.
“The accused unlawfully replaced the complainant’s sim card before transferring the funds to various bank accounts,” the court heard.
From 21 December 2023 to 23 December 2023, ZWL50,000,000 was transferred to a Bluelight Logistics account, ZWL50,000,000 was transferred to Wembly Investments, ZWL30,000,000 was transferred to Sibusiso Nleya’s bank account, along with additional transfers to various other CBZ accounts.
“After 23 December 2023 following the replacement of his sim card, the complainant received notifications indicating that his accounts had been debited by ZWL172,349,999 and US$733. This prompted him to file a police report.
“Investigations established that Blue Light Logistics had received funds from accused three (Nyika),” the State alleges.
The court heard that on 11 February 2025, detectives received information about Nyika’s whereabouts, leading to his arrest.
Nyika then implicated his accomplices.
A total of ZWL172,349,999 and US$733 was lost. Nothing was recovered.
