The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development has issued a stern warning to the public after a bizarre case of fraud and vigilante justice unfolded in Bindura recently.
A video circulating on social media has sent shockwaves across the country, showing an alleged fraudster being swarmed by bees—apparently sent by a traditional healer—after swindling a woman out of her money.
The conman had reportedly posed as an official from the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID), promising to facilitate the issuance of a driver’s license.
In an official statement, the Ministry distanced itself from the fraudulent activity, confirming that the suspect was not a legitimate VID officer.
“The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development is alarmed by a disturbing video circulating on social media, where a woman was swindled out of her money by a fraudster claiming to be a VID official,” the statement read.
Authorities say the victim, after realizing she had been conned, sought the help of a traditional doctor to recover her money—leading to an unusual turn of events where the suspect was attacked by a swarm of bees.
“It is alleged in the video that the victim engaged a traditional doctor to make good of her loss, resulting in the perpetrator being attacked by bees,” the Ministry added.
The incident exposes a growing trend of fraudsters preying on desperate individuals seeking shortcuts to obtain driver’s licenses.
The Ministry reaffirmed that the VID does not employ agents to fast-track license issuance and warned the public against engaging with such individuals.
“The Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) has reported numerous cases of fraudsters posing as officials, targeting unsuspecting individuals who are desperate to obtain licenses quickly. We emphasize that the VID does not have agents who facilitate the issuance of licenses without following the proper procedures.”
Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement.
“To avoid falling prey to these scams, the public is advised to: desist from paying money to individuals who promise to facilitate the issuance of licenses without following the proper procedures, report suspicious activities to the nearest police station to help the Zimbabwe Republic Police apprehend the fraudsters, and follow the proper procedures for acquiring a driver’s license by approaching the VID and undergoing the necessary driver testing.”
The Ministry reminded aspiring drivers that obtaining a license requires patience and adherence to legal processes to ensure road safety.
“For more information on how to acquire a driver’s license safely and legally, please visit our website or contact your local VID depots across the country,” the Ministry said.
