Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube, [email protected]
A 40-year-old woman from Matsheumhlope suburb in Bulawayo has been sentenced to six years in prison for defrauding her victims of US$27 900, after promising to facilitate their overseas travel.
Buhlebenkosi Ndlovu was convicted on her own plea by Bulawayo regional Magistrate, Ms Dambudzo Malunga.
She was sentenced to six years imprisonment, but will serve an effective four years after two years were suspended on condition of good behaviour.
Prosecutor, Mr Owen Mugari, told the court that between October 2022 and May 2023, Ndlovu and an accomplice only identified as Mguni, who is still at large, allegedly duped seven women by claiming she could facilitate their overseas travel.
In January 2023, Miss Faith Ngwenya was introduced to Ndlovu for visa assistance and paid a total of US$3 500. After initial interviews, communication ceased and the promised services were never rendered.
In the same month, Miss Anna Mbakadha, a resident of Gwabalanda, also approached Ndlovu for a sponsorship certificate and paid US$1 900. After receiving all the required documents, Ndlovu disappeared.
In February 2023, Miss Doreen Mudzimu of Nkulumane Police Station was referred to Ndlovu by friends.
She paid US$2 500 for a sponsorship certificate to travel to the UK. After the payment, Ndlovu was no longer reachable.
Also in February, Miss Nomaswazi Tshabalala was similarly deceived after she paid US$3 500 to be assisted to travel to either Canada, Ireland or the UK.
In May 2023, Miss Onareluna Silenje of Tshabalala was referred to Ndlovu as she intended to seek employment in UK. She paid US$ 3000 and was told to wait for three months.
During the same month, Miss Lubelihle Ngwenya responded to an advertisement flyer and paid Ndlovu US$3 000 for sponsorship support and again, Ndlovu was no longer reachable.
The seventh victim, who was not identified in the court papers also lost about US$5 000 after Ndlovu promised to facilitate her overseas travel.
