Legal action pending for Zeze’s zero yield investm...

Legal action pending for Zeze’s zero yield investment schemes

Audrey Galawu and Oscar J Jeke

Unhappy people who have put money into a series of schemes run by Tawanda Zeze under different names are mulling legal action saying Zeze “intimidated” them after Zim Now published an expose.

“We cannot jeopardise this project for everyone. When we appeal for these funds from donors around the world, they extend their help to us, so, we should not jinx this project just because of a few people,” says Zeze in an audio message that he posted on WhatsApp groups with participants.

Last week, Zim Now reported that the organisation, which operates under the name History Makers, More Than Conquerors Trust and/ or Tripple THZ, has collected thousands of dollars for schemes that have not come to fruition.

“You came to us for help as individuals knowing what you wanted from us. So, we don’t expect you to badmouth our organisation, if you no longer want to be part of this organisation you are free to leave as well but do so peacefully,” said Zeze.

But a number of participants have indicated that they have asked to be reimbursed their contributions and instead of that being processed, they keep on getting stories.

They said they are now tired of Zeze’s hide and seek games and are mulling legal action.

“We will definitely be doing something to bring this organisation to book. But at the moment we cannot reveal any details as we don’t want to pre-empt the legal action,” said one of the participants.

The source said that a structure for the action is already in place and more disgruntled participants are joining the plan.

A lawyer approached by Zim Now last week advised the affected people would be best served by taking a class action suit in which all complaints are filed under one case.

The affected include the most vulnerable demographics such as people with disabilities widows, single mothers and pensioners.

In the WhatsApp audio forwarded to Zim Now by several parties, Zeze goes on to make some vague promises and inform the participants that they must pay more money.

“I am sorting something out that had hampered the progress of our projects. I expect everyone to do as expected and we will address all challenges.

“There are some people who are complaining that the money has become too much…. This project is funded through a grant so we should help each other. The money I told you to pay depends on the progress of each individual.

Zeze goes on to push responsibility on the unnamed investors and says the participants have no agency in the matter but must remain available on the mobile numbers registered so that the mysterious investors can get in touch and verify their statuses in the scheme.

“The funders will decide on how to distribute the stands and houses but as an organisation we are just a bridge….Your funds represent 30% and the donors will contribute 70% of the total funding….. For those who think that they can complain to the funders don’t waste your time, we have already done our part and you cannot ruin our reputation,” says Zeze.

One of the victims who spoke to Zim Now sad she joined the organisation under the widows’ scheme back in 2016.

“I joined the programme in 2016...and it was difficult to get the money which I used to pay for the projects. I sacrificed a lot to pay for the projects which until now, have not produced anything.

“It is really sad that people can take advantage of widows and single mothers taking their money for nothing. All I want right now is my money. I hope something can be done so that we get our money back,” she said.

Zeze has been unavailable on his mobile phone. The other founder, Natasha Mutambirwa is also not picking up her phone.