Copyright zimeye
Chadonha is a Shona word meaning “something that has fallen” and is one of Zimbabwe’s most common street scams. It usually starts when someone “finds” a wallet or purse of money or valuables dropped on the ground. Pretending to be a good Samaritan, the scammer invites an unsuspecting passer-by to share the discovery. Moments later, the victim is tricked into handing over their own cash, phone or any valuables and the scammers vanish. This old con has evolved with time. Today, chadonha is no longer just about a wallet or purse on the street, it is about deceit in many forms. From fake investment schemes and money-doubling WhatsApp groups to bogus job offers and online marketplace fraud, chadonha has become a symbol of how scammers exploit Zimbabweans’ desperation, especially during the festive season. As December approaches, cases of fraud and scams rise sharply. The reason is simple, it is that time of the year when people are desperate to make or save money for the holidays. Scammers know it and they also need cash. With unemployment still high and prices on their way up, many people turn to side hustles and informal deals to survive. That is where con artists thrive. They promise quick profit, instant return or unbelievable bargains. They use fake bank notifications, cloned social media accounts or even forged company documents to gain trust and then disappear once the victim pays. Police have repeatedly warned the public about rising fraud cases between October and December. These months bring bonuses, diaspora remittances and savings meant for school fees or groceries, a time when families handle cash more than usual. But for many, the joy of receiving money soon turns into heartbreak when they realise they have been scammed. The criminals are smart, patient and persuasive. Some even pretend to be church members, relatives or business partners. In tough economic times, hope becomes a weakness. When someone offers an easy opportunity, it feels like a blessing not a trap. Many victims say the deals sounded too good to ignore. In reality, scammers study human behaviour and they know how to exploit trust, emotion and urgency. As poverty deepens and unemployment rises, chadonha will continue to grow not just as a street crime but as a reflection of the economic pain many are living through. If you are a victim of chadonha report immediately to the nearest police station or use digital fraud-reporting platforms such as scamalert.africa. As the holiday season draws near, remember, scammers are not resting. They, too, want to celebrate and your money is their target. Let us protect one another, stay alert and ensure that chadonha doesn’t steal our joy this festive season. By Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi +263772278161
