Misryoum reports that Gweru police are chasing a group using a Ford Everest to circulate counterfeit US$100 bills, urging locals to stay vigilant.
Misryoum reports that Gweru police have launched a manhunt for suspects behind a fake US$100 notes scam that hit a local shop on April 26.
The ZRP Gweru District Community Relations Liaison Office sounded the alarm on Sunday after a retail outlet in the Athlone suburb reported that a group of four men tried to pay for goods with high‑denomination bills that later proved to be counterfeit.. Officers said the suspects fled the scene in a silver Ford Everest bearing the registration AHH 0950, a seven‑seater SUV often favored for its cargo space.. Witnesses noted the vehicle turned onto the main highway around 6 p.m., heading eastward toward the city centre.
Police Alert and Vehicle Details
Police officials reminded business owners that counterfeit US currency has circulated in Zimbabwe for years, exploiting the strong demand for foreign cash in the informal economy.. High‑value notes such as the $100 bill are especially attractive to fraudsters because they can be split into smaller denominations after the fact, making detection harder.. The current scam mirrors tactics seen in Harare last year, when counterfeit $50 notes were distributed via motorcycle couriers.
Local merchants have expressed a mix of anger and caution.. Many recalled losing thousands of kwachas after accepting fake bills that looked authentic at first glance.. The atmosphere in Gweru’s market districts has grown tense, with shopkeepers double‑checking every large note and some even refusing cash above $20 unless verified.. This heightened vigilance reflects a broader fear that counterfeit operations could undermine trust in everyday transactions.
How to Spot Counterfeit Bills
Experts advise shoppers to examine security features that genuine US$100 notes carry: a faint watermark of Benjamin Franklin, a security thread that glints when held to light, and colour‑shifting ink in the number “100”.. If any of these elements appear blurry, missing, or off‑colour, the bill is likely fake.. Misryoum also notes that the counterfeit notes involved in this case lacked the subtle micro‑printing on the portrait’s hair and showed uneven borders, clues that a quick visual inspection can reveal.
Analysts argue that the use of a mid‑size SUV signals a shift in how counterfeit rings operate.. By transporting larger stacks of fake currency in a vehicle that blends with ordinary traffic, the perpetrators reduce the number of trips needed and lower the risk of being stopped at checkpoints.. This logistical upgrade could signal an escalation, prompting law‑enforcement agencies to reconsider patrol patterns and invest in mobile verification tools.
Comparisons with similar incidents in neighboring towns suggest a growing regional network.. In Bulawayo, police disrupted a ring that used a pickup truck to move counterfeit $20 and $50 notes, while in Mutare, authorities seized a stash of forged $10 bills hidden in a delivery van.. The recurring choice of versatile vehicles points to a shared playbook among fraud groups, possibly coordinated through informal channels.
Looking ahead, the Gweru police department plans to roll out community workshops on currency verification and to partner with banks for real‑time authentication apps.. Officials hope that a combination of public education and targeted patrols will shrink the window of opportunity for scammers.. They also stress the importance of swift reporting, noting that each tip can help piece together the suspects’ route and ultimately lead to arrests.
Residents are urged to remain alert and to report any sighting of the described Ford Everest or attempts to use suspicious high‑value notes.. Calls can be placed at 0773 643 249 or 0712 040 179.. Sharing the warning on social media and with fellow merchants is encouraged to curb further financial losses across the district.