ZANU PF has warned members of the public and the business community against fraudsters masquerading as party officials to solicit money, saying those behind the scam will face the full wrath of the law.

Addressing a Press conference in Harare yesterday, the party’s Secretary for Information and Publicity, Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa, said the party had received numerous reports of individuals impersonating officials from the Information and Publicity Department and demanding money from unsuspecting members of the public.

He said the fraudsters were requesting varying amounts, with some victims reportedly being asked to part with as much as US$4 000.

“We have taken note that there are people who are calling members of the public and soliciting different amounts of money in the name of the ZANU PF Information Department.

“We have received complaints from quite a number of people who have been duped into paying various amounts of money, some as much as US$4 000.

“When we try to reach those who claim to have been sent by the party, their mobile numbers are no longer reachable,” said Ambassador Mutsvangwa.

He stressed that the party’s Information and Publicity Department does not solicit funds from individuals or businesses, adding that its operations are fully funded through the party’s established structures.

Ambassador Mutsvangwa urged members of the public, the business community and party supporters to verify any requests for donations with the party headquarters before making any payments.

He said the party has clear and well-established procedures governing fundraising and financial contributions.

“If anyone has received a phone call soliciting funds, we advise them to report the number to the nearest police station, as this is an ongoing challenge. The department does not contact anyone to solicit money.

“Therefore, if anyone has been duped into sending money, or has sent money in the belief that they were sending it to the Information Department, please make a police report so that these matters can be investigated and the culprits brought to book,” he said.

Ambassador Mutsvangwa reiterated that the Information and Publicity Department does not engage in fundraising on behalf of the party.

“As the department of the party, we rely on the Party Treasurer for all our work so that at no time do we serve sectional interests.

“We serve only the interests of the President and the party, and, of course, the membership of ZANU PF at large in Zimbabwe. We strive to do so without fear or favour.

“We therefore maintain our integrity as the Department of Information and Publicity. We are not part of the other matters that you hear about from left, right and centre. We are not,” said Ambassador Mutsvangwa.

The party appealed to anyone who has fallen victim to the scam, or who receives suspicious requests for money made in the name of ZANU PF, to immediately report the matter to the police to facilitate investigations and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.