THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has raised the alarm over a sharp rise in cybercrime across the country, warning that criminals are deploying increasingly advanced and manipulative techniques to scam unsuspecting citizens.
According to national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, scams now range from phishing emails and fake online profiles to cloned websites and mobile money fraud schemes tactics sophisticated enough to deceive even cautious individuals.
While the police are intensifying investigations and launching public awareness campaigns, the scale and complexity of cybercrime demand that the private sector steps forward.
Just as companies have long invested in health, education and environmental initiatives as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), there is now an urgent need to include cyber awareness programmes within CSR portfolios.
This is not simply an act of goodwill. It is a strategic necessity that protects businesses, their customers and the communities they operate in.
Nyathi highlighted that cybercrime was not only about financial losses but also caused deep emotional and psychological harm to victims.
Vulnerable groups, especially the elderly and those less familiar with technology are now the most affected. With more Zimbabweans using digital banking, e-commerce platforms and mobile money services, the risk is spreading across all demographics.
Companies are not immune. A successful phishing attack on a single employee can compromise entire systems, leading to financial theft, reputational damage and regulatory penalties under the Cyber and Data Protection Act.
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In this sense, the line between personal cybercrime and corporate vulnerability is thin.
The truth is clear; cybercrime has evolved from being an isolated criminal act to a national threat that requires collective action.
Traditionally, CSR in Zimbabwe has focused on visible, tangible projects such as building schools, providing scholarships, sponsoring health drives or supporting environmental conservation.
These initiatives have been vital in uplifting communities. But in today’s digital age, safety online is as important as road safety.
By making cyber awareness a CSR priority, companies can help bridge the knowledge gap that leaves many Zimbabweans exposed to fraudsters.
This means going beyond internal cybersecurity policies and extending education and protection to customers, suppliers and the public.
Imagine a bank funding community workshops where citizens learn to spot fake mobile money messages or a telecom company distributing simple brochures teaching families how to verify online adverts.
A retailer could run radio jingles warning shoppers about cloned websites during festive seasons. These are not just acts of charity, they build trust, loyalty, and resilience.
Zimbabwean companies can integrate cyber awareness into their CSR portfolios through a range of practical actions:
l Community workshops and road shows: Partner with schools, churches, and community halls to run sessions on safe internet use. Demonstrations on how scammers operate showing side-by-side examples of genuine and fake SMS or websites — can leave lasting impressions;
l Educational media campaigns: Sponsor radio programmes, social media adverts, and newspaper columns dedicated to online safety tips. These can be tailored for different demographics, from schoolchildren to pensioners;
l Cyber ambassadors programmes: Train youth volunteers to act as “cyber ambassadors” in their communities, spreading awareness peer-to-peer. This grassroots approach is both cost-effective and highly relatable;
l Support for schools and colleges: Provide digital literacy training for students and teachers, integrating cyber hygiene into ICT and life skills curricula. Schools are a critical entry point for shaping lifelong habits;
l Collaboration with law enforcement: Fund or co-sponsor ZRP’s cybercrime awareness campaigns, providing materials, logistics or technology to reach wider audiences. A joint police-private sector front would carry stronger authority;
l Digital literacy materials in local languages: Many scams succeed because information is only available in English. Companies can sponsor translations into Shona, Ndebele and other local languages, ensuring no one is left behind; and
l Business benefits of cyber CSR: Critics may argue that cyber awareness is the responsibility of government, not the private sector. But forward-thinking companies understand that CSR is not just charity, it is investment in long-term sustainability.
The business will benefit through:
l Enhanced reputation: Companies that lead in protecting communities from cybercrime earn public trust, a valuable currency in today’s competitive markets;
l Customer loyalty: A customer who learns how to avoid scams through a company’s CSR programme is more likely to remain loyal to that brand;
l Risk reduction: Educated clients are less likely to fall for scams that indirectly implicate companies, such as fraudulent messages claiming to be from a bank or mobile operator;
l Regulatory alignment: The Cyber and Data Protection Act emphasises data security and user protection. Proactive CSR programmes help companies align with this legal framework; and
l Employee engagement: Staff involved in CSR projects often gain new skills and pride in their company, boosting morale and productivity.
Globally, companies are already embracing cyber awareness as part of CSR. In India, major banks sponsor television campaigns warning against digital fraud. In Kenya, telecom giant Safaricom runs continuous mobile money awareness campaigns, teaching users how to avoid M-Pesa scams. In South Africa, corporates regularly partner with the police and non-governmental organisations for cyber safety workshops.
Zimbabwean companies cannot afford to be left behind. With mobile penetration exceeding 90% and internet use growing rapidly, the digital space is now as critical as roads, water or electricity in national development.
Cybercrime is a silent pandemic. It does not leave visible scars, but it drains pockets, destroys confidence and isolates victims.
Nyathi’s warning should be a wake-up call not only for individuals but also for the corporate sector.
The fight against scammers is not one the police can win alone. It requires a united front where companies use their resources, platforms and influence to protect the communities that sustain them.
Just as HIV/Aids campaigns in the early 2000s were strengthened by corporate involvement, today’s battle against cybercrime needs the same collective energy.
In the long run, a safer digital environment benefits everyone. Businesses thrive when customers feel secure transacting online. Government benefits from reduced fraud investigations and higher confidence in Zimbabwe’s e-governance services. Citizens benefit from peace of mind in their daily digital interactions.
In Zimbabwe, technology stands at a crossroads in its digital journey. Technology is unlocking new opportunities in banking, commerce, education and communication. But the same tools are being weaponised by criminals.
Companies must, therefore, rethink CSR, not only as a means of building schools or donating food parcels, but as a holistic responsibility to safeguard society in both physical and digital spaces.
Cyber awareness as a CSR priority is no longer optional, it is urgent. Every scam avoided, every citizen educated, and every family protected represents a victory not only for individuals but for the entire nation.
It is time for Zimbabwean corporates to rise to the challenge. The call has been made. The choice is ours.
Mutisi is the CEO of Hansole Investments (Pvt) Ltd. He is the current chairperson of Zimbabwe Information & Communication Technology, a division of Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers. — +263772 278 161 or [email protected].
