Two men have each been sentenced to 36 months in prison for hacking Econet Wireless Zimbabwe’s computer system and unlawfully accessing airtime bundle codes, c...
Two men have each been sentenced to 36 months in prison for hacking Econet Wireless Zimbabwe’s computer system and unlawfully accessing airtime bundle codes, causing the telecommunications company a financial loss of US$12,436.52, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has reported.
The Kwekwe Magistrates’ Court convicted D umisani Mutwazi, 33, and Tanaka Tayero, 27, after they unlawfully accessed Econet’s system and sold or made available access codes used to obtain airtime bundles. The sentences followed an investigation into suspicious airtime purchases and transactions linked to the two men.
According to the NPAZ bulletin dated 16 October 2026, the offences took place between 25 June and 10 July 2025. During this period, the two men unlawfully accessed Econet’s computer system and distributed access codes associated with airtime bundles. The codes were sold or made available to others, with airtime bundles obtained through the system.
The case came to light on 11 July 2025 when an Econet corporate fraud specialist reviewed airtime purchases made through Yomix and EcoCash. The review identified suspicious transaction patterns linked to the offenders, prompting further investigation into the activity on the company’s system.
Investigations established that airtime bundles had been purchased repeatedly and distributed to several individuals in exchange for cash. The transactions involved the unauthorised use of Econet’s system to obtain airtime bundles, which were then made available to other people. The investigation linked the activity to the two men convicted by the Kwekwe Magistrates’ Court.
The NPAZ bulletin said the total financial prejudice suffered by Econet Wireless Zimbabwe amounted to US$12,436.52. It also stated that none of the money had been recovered. The reported loss reflects the financial impact of the unauthorised transactions, although the bulletin did not provide a breakdown of individual purchases or the amounts received by each offender.
The court imposed a 36-month prison sentence on each offender but suspended part of the punishment under specified conditions. Ten months of each sentence were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour. A further 18 months were suspended on condition that each man completes 630 hours of community service.
The sentencing conditions mean that the prison terms include suspended portions tied to compliance with the court’s requirements. The NPAZ bulletin did not provide further details on the arrangements for community service or specify the conditions governing the remaining portion of the sentences.
In its statement, the NPAZ condemned the unlawful access to and abuse of digital systems for personal gain. The authority said cybercrime undermines business confidence and causes financial losses, adding that perpetrators of such offences would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The statement forms part of the authority’s public message on the prosecution of cybercrime and the misuse of computer systems.
The case highlights the legal consequences of unauthorised access to business computer systems and the use of digital platforms in transactions involving airtime bundles. It also demonstrates how a review of purchase records and payment activity can identify suspicious patterns for further investigation. The NPAZ used the case to reiterate its position that unlawful access to digital systems and their use for financial gain would be dealt with through the courts.
