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Mbulelo Mpofu
Trust not a friend who wears a smile; their heart may harbour deceit.
In a jaw-dropping tale of friendship gone awry, Andile Victor Nhlamba has become one of Bulawayo’s most wanted men—at least in the eyes of his former best friend, Jordache Derek Saudan who has dragged him to court for allegedly swindling him of US$10 200.
What started as a hopeful business venture has spiralled into a scandal that has left a community reeling and a friendship in ruins.
It all began with a dream early this year when Nhlamba, charismatic and persuasive, allegedly convinced Saudan to invest US$10,200 into what he claimed would be a lucrative trucking business. Promises of paying back the money proved futile as months dragged on and the reality hit like a freight train.
Instead of investing in trucks and routes, Nhlamba has allegedly been offering countless excuses. Fast forward to August 8 this year, the drama took a legal turn. In the Magistrates Court in Bulawayo, Saudan took a stand against his former friend, seeking justice. The court ruled in favour of Saudan, granting him a 30-day civil imprisonment order against Nhlamba. The verdict echoed through the hallways: “Pay up or face the consequences!”
But even up to now, Nhlamba it seems, is playing a game of hide and seek. With rumours swirling that he is on the run and in neighbouring South Africa, the once-familiar face of Nhlamba has become synonymous with betrayal and deceit.
B Metro is in possession of court documents revealing the extent of the betrayal. Not only is Nhlamba on the hook for the initial investment, but he also faces additional fees, including a 10 percent collection commission for late payments and a five percent monthly interest for every day that passes without repayment. As of the end of October, the total is a staggering $15,669, including court fees—money that Saudan is determined to reclaim.
“I trusted him like a brother,” Saudan lamented, his frustration palpable. “Now, I feel like a fool. This isn’t just about the money; it’s about the betrayal. When I text him, he offers excuse after excuse and he ended up not picking up my calls. He may think he can hide, but I won’t stop until I get what’s mine,” he declared defiantly.
Efforts to get hold of Nhlamba have been futile.
Online Reporter