Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
A BULAWAYO man trusted like an uncle turned into a financial ninja after pocketing a student’s school fees refund and spending the money to pamper himself.
Ngonidzashe Ruzvidzo (28) is now paying the price after his “borrow and vanish” stunt landed him before Bulawayo Magistrate Barbara Phiri.
The magistrate sentenced him to 12 months imprisonment, with three months suspended for five years.
Another three months were suspended on condition he pays back US$480 before May 29, while the remaining six months were suspended on condition he performs 210 hours of community service.
Prosecuting, Arnold Mudekunye said in August 2025, the parents of Bulawayo Polytechnic student Dzepasi Efessie trusted Ruzvidzo with US$678 to pay tuition and accommodation fees.
At first, he looked like the perfect family helper and handled the payments properly.
But months later, things took a sharp left turn.
In February 2026, Efessie was informed that his accommodation was no longer available and the college would process a refund.
That is when the trusted “family friend” switched from helper to heavyweight scammer.
Efessie instructed Ruzvidzo to collect the refund and ensure it was transferred straight into his EcoCash account.
Instead, Ruzvidzo marched into Bulawayo Polytechnic and instructed officials to deposit not US$320, but US$480 into his own FBC Bank account.
Court papers revealed that not a single cent was recovered.
The student became suspicious after the promised refund never reflected.
That is when alarm bells started ringing louder than a hostel generator during load shedding.
The matter was reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, leading to Ruzvidzo’s arrest.
