By 
By Ross Moyo
Econet Wireless has issued an update on the recent wave of blocked and compromised WhatsApp accounts affecting Zimbabwean users, saying it is actively working with Meta to restore access.
In a press statement dated 15 October 2026, Econet said:
“Working in consultation with Meta, the company that owns WhatsApp, Econet is supporting affected customers to restore access to their accounts and continues to closely monitor the situation. Customers requiring further assistance can dial the dedicated Econet short code 658 for WhatsApp-specific support.”
The statement comes as Zimbabwe launches a full government investigation. ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera confirmed the ministry is engaging Meta, the affected mobile operator, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police Cyber Crime Division, with POTRAZ also involved. Authorities are examining platform systems, SMS termination partners, advertising accounts and payment arrangements to establish if financial information was exposed.
Econet had earlier warned on 12 October that customers should enable WhatsApp Passkeys and two-step verification. The operator said:
“We once again urge customers to protect themselves by proactively securing their WhatsApp accounts by selecting the login and security settings on their WhatsApp profile, and enabling WhatsApp Passkeys, as well as activating the two-step authentication.”
ZRP separately warned about SIM-replacement fraud where suspects used stolen personal details to take control of phone numbers, mobile-money wallets and WhatsApp profiles to solicit money from contacts.
Econet shops, service centres and digital platforms remain open for support.
What to do if logged out:
Re-register your number with the 6-digit SMS code. WhatsApp says this logs other devices out. If a PIN was set by the attacker, you may need to wait 7 days per official recovery guidance.
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