Job seekers in Harare must be increasingly cautious as the number of ruthless fraudsters claiming to be genuine employers grows.

This is particularly true in the security services sector. The city’s open spaces commonly host people undergoing what they believe is legitimate security guard training. But unscrupulous operators are making money by offering corporate and home security theory and practice drills.

Lynet Kateguru says that she began searching for employment after finishing her O’levels two years ago. One of the few thriving employment markets is the security guard sector. She was trained at the grounds between Rainbow Towers, Exhibition Park and Interpol Regional Headquarters. She says she was told to pay $10 for the two-week training, with the guarantee of a certificate and employment soon after. But when she returned to check on developments, the trainer had disappeared.

Kateguru adds that in addition to the $10, she also lost $14 in kombi fare, as she had to travel from Waterfalls everyday for the training. “I also spent a dollar a day on food, which means I lost $38 in total. They claim to be agents of reputable security companies, and their tricks are so good you easily part with your money,” she says.

Kateguru attributes people’s failure to heed calls to be wary of bogus employment agents to desperation.

Harare News spoke to a trainer identified only as Muyunda, along Seke Road in Graniteside (near Delta Beverages), who claimed to be the chief trainer of a reputable security company. “I don’t charge anything. I only train and get paid by the company I work for,” said the trainer who declined to name the organisation he represents. However, his trainees disclosed to Harare News that they had each given him $10 for the training.

Cleopas Nherudzo, a marketing executive from registered security company Peace Security says job seekers can identify bogus security training outfits by such traits as demanding payment for training. “Genuine companies do it for free save for a small fee for the certificate during handover,” says Nherudzo adding that bogus trainers don’t offer certificates at all.

“Genuine security companies are registered with the Ministry of Home Affairs and industry associations like the Security Association of Zimbabwe and can be traced back to their offices,” says Nherudzo.

High Court Judge Justice Joseph Musakwa recently lamented the cost to state resources of police investigations into scams and cons. There has also been a rise in the number of victims of bogus services promising that your money will multiply via ritual or supernatural means.

Musakwa urged people to educate themselves and always be on the lookout for criminal intent during any monetary transaction.

Image: A job application form

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