Business Correspondent
The Government has launched an investigation into reported takeovers of WhatsApp Business accounts and other Meta platforms, amid growing concerns over cybercrime targeting Zimbabwean businesses and mobile users.
Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera confirmed that a coordinated response was underway to investigate the incidents and address the emerging security concerns.
The reported account takeovers have raised fears among businesses who rely on digital platforms to communicate with customers, market products and conduct transactions.
WhatsApp Business is widely used by small and medium-sized enterprises to manage customer enquiries, process orders and maintain contact with clients, making account compromises a potential threat to business operations and customer trust.
The latest developments come amid wider concerns over WhatsApp account hijacking, SIM-swapping fraud and social engineering scams in Zimbabwe.
On Monday a serving member of Parliament Charlton Hwende said he had lost access to his WhatsApp account, while telecommunications company Econet Wireless urged customers to strengthen their account security by activating passkeys and two-step verification.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has previously warned of fraud cases involving SIM-card replacements and the unauthorised takeover of WhatsApp accounts, with suspects impersonating victims to gain access to their accounts and solicit money from their contacts.
The Government’s investigation comes as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to strengthen cybersecurity amid increasing reliance on digital communication, mobile money and online business services.
