TikTok ‘Pilot School’ Exposed as Scam

Munyaradzi Mashiri-—Court Correspondent

A Harare man has appeared in court facing fraud charges after allegedly deceiving aspiring aviation students with a fake training program.

Ntobeko Chinhoi, 29, is accused of masquerading as a legitimate aviation recruiter, enticing students to pay for nonexistent pilot and cabin crew training opportunities.

Chinhoi appeared before Harare magistrate Ms. Ruth Moyo, who granted him US$100 bail. He is expected back in court on May 15, 2025.

Operating as a self-employed individual, Chinhoi allegedly ran an unregistered aviation agency named Royal Chinhoyi Aviation, based in a cubicle on the 12th floor of Joina City in central Harare.

The case came to light when Leonard Chibamhu, a Zimbabwe Republic Police officer stationed at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, reported Chinhoi’s suspicious activities.

Prosecutor Ms. Nomsa Kangara told the court that in 2024, Chinhoi created a TikTok account under the name Royal Chinhoyi Aviation, where he advertised pilot and cabin crew training programs supposedly available in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Poland, and India.

In an effort to boost credibility, Chinhoi organized a seminar on April 12 at the RGM International Airport, charging participants US$2 each. The event was scheduled to take place at the Hotplate Airport Restaurant.

However, during the seminar, Chinhoi was confronted by Chibamhu, who demanded proof of registration or any form of official authorization. When he failed to provide such documentation, he was arrested on the spot.