Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
A young woman’s hopes for a better life abroad turned into a nightmare after she was conned out of US$740 by a smooth-talking fraudster who vanished the moment he got the cash.
Milton Tshuma (41) from Ntabazinduna executed what is popularly known as ukuqhatsha in street lingo on Queeny Phiri (22).
He appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Maxwell Ncube charged with fraud. Tshuma was sentenced to 24 months in prison, with six months suspended on condition of good behaviour.
An additional four months were suspended if Tshuma pays back the stolen money, leaving him to serve an effective 14-month jail term.
Prosecutor Mehluli Ndlovu told the court that the scam occurred on 3 April 2025, at around midday at EKhaya Shop, located on 10th Avenue and Herbert Chitepo Street.
The court heard that Tshuma approached Phiri (22) with promises of securing her a lucrative job abroad.
Desperate for a new start, Phiri was convinced by Tshuma’s confident talk and handed over US$740, neatly packed in an envelope, believing it was the first step toward her dream.
In a slick move, Tshuma handed her another envelope and instructed her to watch over a nearby vehicle “full of goods” while he went to make final arrangements.
But the vehicle only contained empty boxes — and Tshuma never came back.
Hours passed before Phiri realised she had been conned. When she opened the envelope he had given her, it was completely empty.
Heartbroken and humiliated, Phiri reported the matter to the police, but Tshuma had already disappeared without a trace.
For weeks, the case went cold until fate intervened. Phiri spotted Tshuma walking in town with another unsuspecting victim. She quickly alerted authorities, leading to his arrest.
“This is cruel. People are struggling, and scammers like him are crushing their hopes,” said the prosecutor.
Authorities have urged job seekers to be vigilant and verify opportunities with registered recruitment agencies to avoid falling prey to con artists.
Police also reminded the public that no legitimate recruiter will demand cash upfront or meet applicants on the streets.
While Tshuma begins his prison term, Phiri remains without her money, a painful reminder of how quickly dreams can turn into despair at the hands of a cunning scammer.
