7 nurse aide UK hopefuls scammed of US$26k in fake...

7 nurse aide UK hopefuls scammed of US$26k in fake UK placement deal

Michael Mashiri

Four directors and an administrator of a Zimbabwe-based United Kingdom job agent company has been arraigned before Harare Magistrates Court facing seven counts of fraud amounting to almost US$26 000.

Abroad Gateway Studies (Pvt) Ltd directors, Fidelis Mazhindu, 27, Makanaka Mukwesha, 26, Chrispen Gazimbe, 25, Chelsea Makombe, 23 and administrator, Mufaro Rupondo, 22, stand accused of duping seven job seekers on the pretext that they will secure nurse aid jobs for them in the United Kingdom.

Sharon Mandaza, 46, Charity Chibvumbi, 19, Lucia Gutuza, 21, Saymore Makamba, 30, Milca Mwasawani, 37, Karen Mambo, 44 and Shorai Nyabereka, 39 reported Abroad Gateway Studies after being defrauded US$25 620 in 2022.

The court heard that the complainants came across a flyer on social media, between October 24, 2022 and unknown date in December of the same year, claiming that the accused were recruiting nurse aides to work in the UK.

As a result, they contacted the accused persons who directed them to the company’s offices at number 10, Corner Bishop Gaul and Samora Machel Avenue, Harare.

Upon getting to the offices, they were advised to pay US$500 as administration fee together with police clearance, TB test, nurse aide certificate, IELTS Certificate (7.5) and proof of residence.

They were also requested to pay £2 000 to cover air tickets, first month rentals, utility bills as well as visa appointment.

After submitting everything that was required, they were given receipts, added in a WhatsApp group with 71 participants, and told to wait for 21 days for the processing of the documents.

It is in this group where the accused persons would conduct interview lessons with the complainants.

The accused persons later changed their goal posts and ordered complainants to deposit £1 000 and later requested the other remaining balance of £1 000, citing a variety of reasons which they claimed necessitated such a new requirement before any applicant could receive Certificate of Sponsorship.

The complainants continued to receive promises regarding the finalisation of their documents which did not materialise.

This continued until one of the victims' relatives made investigations in the United Kingdom with the alleged company, Seren Health Care Solutions, which the accused persons claimed to be representing.

He was informed that the owner of the company, Stella Chimano in the United Kingdom, was not aware of the recruitment which was being conducted on her behalf.

This resulted in the arrest of the accused persons. As a result of this misrepresentation, accused persons caused complainants to suffer financial prejudice to the tune of US$25 620 and nothing was recovered.

They appeared before magistrate Dennis Mangosi, who postponed the case to 17 February, 2023.