Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, [email protected]
A Bulawayo woman is counting her losses after falling victim to an alleged US$16,000 scam involving a vehicle she saw advertised on social media
Police have since opened a fraud case, and a manhunt for the suspect has been launched. Bulawayo police deputy spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu, said the victim, a 35-year-old woman from Hillside suburb, saw an advert on social media about a vehicle that was being sold before contacting the suspect on WhatsApp.
“On 7 April 2026, the victim saw an advert on Facebook posted by an unknown accused person purporting to sell a grey Toyota mini bus under a social media group known as Quality Import Cars,” she said.
“She contacted the accused via WhatsApp and indicated that she was interested in purchasing the vehicle.
“She then made payments totalling US$16,031. After the full agreed amount was paid, the accused started demanding more money,” Ass Insp Ndlovu.
When the victim refused to make further payments, the accused allegedly became evasive when asked to deliver the vehicle.
“The accused then switched off his mobile phone and became unreachable, prompting the victim to make a police report. Police appeal to members of the public to exercise caution when buying vehicles or goods through social media platforms.”
Meanwhile, Bulawayo police have arrested Mpho Ncube (27) of Manondo Village, Nyamandlovu, charged with theft of a vehicle.
“On the night of 16 April, Ncube, who was in the company of two accomplices, who are still at large, hired a Honda Fit for a trip to Pumula suburb. Along the way, they hijacked the vehicle and dumped the driver on the side of the road.
“The vehicle was later recovered by police the following day,” said Ass Insp Ndlovu.
A month later, police received information that Ncube had been spotted drinking alcohol at a local hotel in the city.
“Acting on the information, police arrested the suspect, who was positively identified by the victim.
“Police appreciate members of the public for supplying information, which leads to the arrest of the accused,” she added.
Sidumisile Mabena