The Chipinge Magistrates’ Court has sentenced Patricia Muyambo Magazini to 12 years in prison for nine counts of fraud. Ten years were suspended on condition of good behaviour and repayment.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Magazini defrauded victims of a total of US$40,020 by falsely promising nursing training places at Mashoko Hospital. The NPA said:
<blockquote>
The accused falsely presented herself as an employee of the Ministry of Health stationed at Mashoko Hospital.
She would contact potential victims, sometimes through intermediaries, offering the opportunity for enrollment in training programs.
</blockquote>
In one case, Magazini approached a prophetess, claiming gratitude for past prayers, and used the connection to offer a fake nursing training opportunity. 
She then asked victims for money, supposedly to cover training fees, accommodation, and uniforms. Said the NPA:
<blockquote>
These payments were made through various money transfer methods such as Mojomula, Innbucks, Mukuru, and Ecocash. The offender, received the money from the complainants.
In some cases, intermediaries were used to collect and consolidate payments from multiple individuals.
To maintain the deception, the accused would make false promises, such as claiming that the victims’ names would be published in official publications like the Herald and Sunday Mail.
When victims began to question the legitimacy of the scheme, the offender would make excuses and provide false reassurances.
The scheme was carried out over a period of time, with different counts relating to different groups of victims and timeframes.
</blockquote>

Pindula News

A woman in Chipinge, Patricia Magazini, got 12 years in jail for tricking people into giving her $40,020 for fake nursing training at Mashoko Hospital. She pretended to work for the Ministry of Health and promised training spots. She asked for money for fees, accommodation, and uniforms through payment methods like Mojomula and Ecocash. She even used intermediaries to collect money from many people. She made false promises and excuses to keep the scam going, even using a connection with a prophetess to deceive victims. The court gave her a 12-year sentence, but she could get out early if she behaves well and pays back the money she stole.

Chipinge Woman Sentenced To 12 Years Imprisonment Over US$40K Nursing Training Scam

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has warned people not to trust anyone who promises to help them get a driver’s licence without following the proper process.
This warning follows a video on social media where a woman was tricked into paying money to a fraudster pretending to be a VID official.
The Ministry explained that in the video, the woman sought help from a traditional doctor to recover her money.
The Ministry clarified that the person in the video is not a VID official and his actions do not represent the values of the VID. The statement reads:
<blockquote>
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development is alarmed by a disturbing video circulating on social media, where a woman was swindled out of her money by a fraudster claiming to be a VID official.
It is alleged in the video that the victim engaged a traditional doctor to make good of her loss resulting in the perpetrator being attacked by bees.
The Ministry wishes to state that the individual involved in this incident is NOT a VID official, and his actions do not reflect the principles and values of the VID.
We also urge the public to refrain from engaging with individuals who promise to facilitate the issuance of licences without following the proper procedures.
The Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) has reported numerous cases of fraudsters posing as officials, targeting unsuspecting individuals who are desperate to obtain licences quickly.
We emphasise that the VID does not have agents who facilitate the issuance of licences.
To avoid falling prey to these scams, the public is advised to:
<ul>
<li>Desist from paying money to individuals who promise to facilitate the issuance of licenses without following the proper procedures.</li>
<li>Report suspicious activities to the nearest police station to help the Zimbabwe Republic 
Police apprehend the fraudsters.</li>
<li>Follow the proper procedures for acquiring a driver’s license by approaching the VID and undergoing the necessary driver testing.</li>
</ul>
Remember, acquiring a driver’s licence requires patience, dedication, and commitment to following the proper procedures.
We urge prospective drivers to follow proper procedures to acquire driving licences to enhance safety on our roads.
For more information on how to acquire a driver’s license safely and legally, please visit our website or contact your local VID depots across the country.
</blockquote>

The Transport Ministry warns people not to trust fake officials offering quick driver's licenses. A woman was scammed by a fraudster pretending to be from the VID. The Ministry says the scammer is not a real official. They advise people to follow the correct process to get a driver's license and not to pay money to anyone promising a quick license. The VID does not have agents who help with licenses. People should report any suspicious activities to the police and follow the proper procedures to get a license safely and legally.

Transport Ministry Warns Against Fraudsters Offering Quick Driver’s Licences

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has denied involvement in a fake viral train driver training advert. The ad asked for applications via Gmail and payments through Ecocash.
After the advert, featuring Tatenda Ruze’s phone number circulated on social media, the NRZ responded.
In their statement, the NRZ urged the public not to engage with the scammer or share personal or financial information. The NRZ said:
<blockquote>
A fake advert on NRZ Train Driver course asking people to submit applications through a Gmail account and make payments to an Ecocash account is circulating on social media. The suspected scammer is using the name Tatenda Ruze and phone number +263782406319.
Do not engage with this scammer or provide any personal or financial information.
The NRZ advises members of the public that it does not use free email services such as Gmail accounts for official communications while payments are channelled through bank accounts in NRZ’s name.
The NRZ will never ask people to pay for service through personal mobile phone numbers.
The NRZ urges people who have responded to the fake advert and paid money to report to the nearest police station.
</blockquote>
Last week, the Civil Vehicle Registry (CVR) warned about a fraudster posing as a Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) employee in Eastlea, Harare.
The CVR revealed the suspect sent text messages to prospective drivers, claiming their licenses were ready and requesting a $50 payment.
Victims were instructed to send money via EcoCash or OneMoney. After payment, the fraudster blocked communication, leaving victims without licenses or contact options.

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) says there's a fake ad for train driver training on social media. The ad asks for applications through Gmail and payments through Ecocash. NRZ warns not to give personal or financial info. NRZ doesn't use Gmail for official work or ask for payment through personal phone numbers. They advise victims to report to the police if they paid money. The Civil Vehicle Registry (CVR) also warned about a fraudster pretending to be from the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) in Eastlea, Harare, asking for $50 for licenses via EcoCash or OneMoney.

Public Advised To Ignore Fake NRZ Training Ad On Social Media

Harare magistrate Stanley Mambanje on Thursday issued a warrant of arrest for Calton Mudiwiwa, who disappeared on the day he was supposed to hear his court verdict.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200036580/suspected-fraudster-flees-court-judgment-photo">NewsDay</a>, Mudiwiwa is accused of defrauding a South Africa-based company out of R440,000 in a failed vehicle supply deal.
The case was reported by Davure Mining, represented by its manager Masimba Mukarati. 
Davure Mining is a company with operations in both South Africa and Zimbabwe, focusing on mining, cattle ranching, and agriculture.
According to prosecutors, on October 20, 2021, Mukarati wanted to buy a Toyota Hilux Legend 50 double-cab vehicle from South Africa. He shared this information with Mudiwiwa, who offered to help import the vehicle.
Davure Mining had money in its South Africa FNB Bank account and paid the vehicle’s price to Wish Worthy Investments, as instructed by Mudiwiwa.
After the payment, Mukarati provided proof of payment to Mudiwiwa, but Mudiwiwa allegedly failed to import the vehicle. He then started making false promises and became evasive.
Mukarati reported the issue to the police, which led to Mudiwiwa’s arrest.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A man named Calton Mudiwiwa is wanted by the police for scamming a company out of R440,000. The company, Davure Mining, wanted to buy a vehicle from South Africa, but Mudiwiwa did not deliver the car after they paid him. The company reported him to the police, and now he is missing. The police have issued a warrant for his arrest. Davure Mining is a company that works in mining and farming in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Mudiwiwa took the money but did not deliver the vehicle, so now he is in trouble with the law.

Warrant Issued For Suspect In R440,000 Vehicle Supply Scam

A bogus policeman was arrested in Chegutu after he solicited US$1 500 from a woman whose husband had been remanded in custody for a case of robbery.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said that Anesu Tauya Maponga claimed he was a law enforcement agent and assured the complainant that he could facilitate her husband’s release by paying prosecutors, magistrates and court officials. Said Commissioner:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Anesu Tauya Maponga in connection with a case of fraud which occurred in Chegutu between April 2024 and June 2024.
Sometime in April 2024, the suspect purported to be a policeman and approached the unsuspecting victim whose husband had been remanded in custody for a case of robbery.
The suspect charged US$1 500.00 so that he could facilitate the release of the victim’s husband from remand prison by paying prosecutors, magistrates and court officials.
The suspect demanded a down payment of US$700.00 which he alleged he was going to give to his friend who is a Magistrate to commence the release process. Resultantly, the victim was duped of US$470.00.
On 03rd June 2024, detectives from CID Police Internal Investigations acted on the received information and arrested Anesu Tauya Maponga in Chegutu Central Business District following a trap in which the suspect received US$50.00.
</blockquote>
Comm. Nyathi appealed to members of the public to exercise due diligence when approached by individuals purporting to be members of the security services or court officials.
He urged the public to report suspicious individuals on National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Fake Policeman Arrested After Extorting US$1,500 From Robbery Suspect’s Wife

Several job seekers have besieged a Bulawayo-based recruitment agency, Cosmopolitan Eagle Company, demanding refunds after the agent allegedly failed to facilitate overseas jobs and work permits for the applicants in violation of its promises.
Cosmopolitan Eagle Company, operating from Pioneer House in the city, placed advertisements claiming it was dealing in securing jobs and work permits as well as processing all travel documents for job seekers abroad.
Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya from Bulawayo told <a href="https://www.bmetro.co.zw/job-seekers-up-in-arms-with-recruitment-agent/">B-Metro</a> that he paid more than 1 000 to the recruitment agency but failed to secure the job that had been promised. He said:
<blockquote>
A relative told me about Cosmopolitan Eagle Company saying it was helping people in securing employment in Poland, Germany and Turkey and l became interested before I went to inquire about the company.
I visited the company premises at Pioneer House and met Linah Mugondomukandapi who is the owner and she told me everything about their services and how the process was being done. She assured me that if l didn’t succeed she was going to refund me.
</blockquote>
Ngwenya said in May 2021 he paid US$1 230 to Linah including US$1000 being application fee for a visa and US$230 travel insurance. He said:
<blockquote>
After six months I was informed that my work permit was ready and had to organise money to go to the Polish Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.
When l went to the Polish Embassy l was informed that l had a high chance of being denied a visa and I informed the agency about the matter and she advised me to apply.
After applying for the visa l got denied and when l came back home, I asked for a refund from Linah and she started telling me stories.
Just imagine I used US$400 to go to South Africa and back home. I got fed up and Linah had also stopped answering my calls.
It’s really painful that l lost US$1 630 and R1800 to this agent. I trusted this lady and yet she seems heartless considering that things are hard these days.
I still owe people the money that l borrowed and ties have also been broken with friends and family as they are all asking why there is no refund and some are even suspecting that I squandered the money.
</blockquote>
Another victim who declined to be identified told B-Metro that she paid Linah US$920 in April claiming it was for visa processing.
She said Linah’s sister only paid her US$95 last month out of the US$920 she had paid.
Another victim who also requested anonymity said she was swindled of US$1 300 by Linah. She said:
<blockquote>
To this day l have not been paid a cent from the total amount of US$1 300 which l paid to her to facilitate my recruitment abroad.
Linah has also not given me back my passport. When I reported the matter to the police they advised me that it was a civil matter and I’m now planning to sue her.
</blockquote>
When reached for comment by the publication, Linah said it wasn’t her fault that some of her clients were not successful in getting their visas.
She said she was working with her international partners to ensure that all her clients are refunded.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Job Seekers Besiege Recruitment Agency Over Broken Promises

A Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church pastor based in Chegutu is allegedly on the run after he duped church members of their hard-earned money.
Pastor Fortunate Mawowa is said to have lured congregants into investing their money in a “company” he had set up.
He reportedly fled to South Africa in May last year when those who had invested in the company started asking for a return on their investments.
At least US$40 000 is believed to have been invested in his “company” but none of the investors received their dues.
One of Mawowa’s victims told <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/sda-pastor-fleeces-church-members-flees-to-sa/">H-Metro</a> that he left for South Africa ostensibly to seek specialist medical treatment. said the victim:
<blockquote>
We have been duped of our hard-earned money after being sweet-talked into investing in his bogus scheme.
He bought a nice car and had a white wedding, which attracted so many people, using our investment funds.
Problems started when our investments matured and we needed to be paid.
He then started talking about being sick and sending apology text messages.
After realising that he was under pressure, he then went to South Africa under the disguise that he was going to see a specialist doctor.
</blockquote>
It is alleged that since he went to South Africa, Mawowa can no longer be reached and some of his victims have been approaching Mawowa’s mother demanding their money in vain.
In recent years, several reports have emerged indicating that thousands of people have fallen prey to fly-by-night pyramid schemes.
Police said in 2021, at least 10 000 people were scammed of over US$30 million after selling houses, vehicles, and other properties to invest in pyramid schemes.
Many Ponzi schemes share common characteristics. These are:
<ul>
<li>High returns with little or no risk.</li>
<li>Overly consistent returns.</li>
<li>Unregistered investments.</li>
<li>Unlicensed sellers.</li>
<li>Secretive, complex strategies.</li>
<li>Issues with paperwork.</li>
<li>Difficulty receiving payments.</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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