Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, [email protected]
TWO women accused of defrauding several people seeking to relocate to the United Kingdom of more than US$100 000 have appeared in court facing charges of fraud.
Nothando Ndlovu (48) and Nokuthula Sibanda (56) from Bulawayo’s Gwabalanda suburb appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate, Mr Lungile Ncube on Thursday, facing 25 counts of fraud.
Mr Simbarashe Innocent Madzivire of Mashayamombe Co and Attorneys is representing Sibanda, while Ndlovu is a self actor. The matter was postponed to 19 February.
Prosecutor, Mr Sehliselo Khumalo, said between November 2022 and November 2024, the pair told Ms Siphiwe Dube they could facilitate her relocation to the UK. The unsuspecting woman reportedly paid US$60 500, after which the duo disappeared with her money.
“During the period extending from August 2023 to November 2024, they misrepresented to Ms Bridget Nyoni that they could facilitate her relocation to the UK and demanded US$3 032 for the processing of a Certificate of Sponsorship,” he said.
“During the same period, they defrauded Demetria Gumbo of US$6 915 as she also wished to leave for the UK,” said Mr Khumalo.
Prince Sibanda was the next victim, allegedly parting with US$6 755, while Gift Ronald Banda suffered a loss of US$6 255.
“Between July 2023 and November 2024, the two accused persons defrauded Ms Margaret Mzizi of US$9 125, dashing her hopes of relocating to the UK.
“On the same day, they defrauded Nomaqhawe Ncube of US$5 066. During the same week, they defrauded Thabani Nyoni of US$7 500, aborting her dream of leaving for the UK. They also deceived Siza Ngwenya by posing as agents and defrauding her of US$4 000 while Ayandiswa Maphosa was defrauded of US$4 861.”
The following day, Mr Khumalo said Yolanda Geraldine Banda was allegedly left counting her losses after being defrauded of US$3 250. Subsequently, they defrauded Precious Zhande of US$3 750 and Bongani Moyo of US$620.
Mr Khumalo further informed the court that between September 2023 and November 2024, the pair allegedly deceived Everngelista Chirume into paying US$3 548.
The court also heard that during the same period, they defrauded Sinikiwe Ngwenya of US$5 500 after claiming it was for the processing of a Certificate of Sponsorship.
“David Ncube was duped of US$5 500, while Nokuthaba Goremucheche lost US$5 050. Sisasenkosi Ncube was defrauded of US$6 400. Patience Zvimba was defrauded of US$4 700 while Sithokozile Moyo was duped of US$1 950. Sanele Nkomo was duped of US$7 450,” said Mr Khumalo.
The incidents were reported to the police, leading to the arrest of Ndlovu and Sibanda.
The total amount they defrauded the victims is US$165 559.
