UK bound carework hopeful scammed US$5 100 over no...

UK bound carework hopeful scammed US$5 100 over non existent COS

Michael Mashiri

A Harare man, who allegedly defrauded US$5 100 from complainant claiming he would process a Certificate Of Sponsorship for her, has been taken to court.

Munyaradzi Mangoma, 34, of Gletwin, appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Courts charged with fraud.

He will appear in court on April 8 for bail application.

The complainant in this matter Paidamoyo Chamatunhu.

The State alleges that on July 6, 2023, Chamatunhu was told by her niece, Monalisa Chinamasa that her cousin Tanyaradzwa Chivandire was processing Certificate Of Sponsorship for people who wanted to work in the United Kingdom.

Chivandire was using her Whatsapp platform to inform people who needed the Certificates of Sponsorship.

Chamatunhu allegedly called Chivandire after seeing the advertisement on her Whatsapp status and she confirmed that it cost 4 500 pounds, which was equivalent US$6 200, to process the Certificate of Sponsorship.

She also gave Chamatunhu Mangoma’s contacts to contact him.

It is alleged that Mangoma instructed Chamatunhu to deposit 2 250 pounds which was equivalent to US$3 100 in Tinotenda Zinyengere’s Monzo account through her aunty who is also in United Kingdom.

It is alleged that Chivandire confirmed to Chamatunhu that the money was received by Mangoma through a Whatsapp message and proof of payment was sent to Chamatunhu.

The State alleges that on July 9, 2023 Chivandire told Chamatunhu that her Certificate of Sponsorship was processed and she would only get it if she paid the full amount needed.

Chamatunhu pleaded with Mangoma that she pays US$2 000 instead of the US$2 900 balance.

She was then told to give Mangoma’s gardener, Luckson Mazarura, the US$2 000.

Mangoma confirmed to Chamatunhu that the money had reached his gardener.

The court heard that on July 11, 2023, Chamatunhu requested to see the COS from Mangoma but it was said to have errors which needed to be corrected.

On the same date, Chamatunhu received a message from Chivandire that Mangoma was requesting her banking details so that he could refund her since the COS had problems.

Chamatunhu told her aunty to give banking details to Mangoma so that he could refund the money on July 15, 2023.

On July 16, 2023, Chamatunhu checked with her aunty if she had received anything from Mangoma but there was nothing.

From July 16, 2023 to date, Mangoma was evasive.

After realising that Chamatunhu had been defrauded, she reported the matter at ZRP Mabelreign.