Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, [email protected]
POLICE in Bulawayo have arrested a man accused of allegedly scamming home seekers through a WhatsApp accommodation channel and are appealing to other possible victims to come forward.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele identified the suspect as Gift Elvis Ndlovu, also known as Solo, of Killarney.
Insp Msebele said Ndlovu allegedly posed as an accommodation agent and operated a WhatsApp channel called “Accommodation in Bulawayo”, which he allegedly used to target prospective tenants.
According to police, victims were allegedly asked to pay US$20 as an agent or viewing fee into EcoCash numbers 0787244421 and 0789344259.
“After receiving the money, the suspect would allegedly either block the victim or continue giving excuses, making the victim believe that the accommodation arrangements were still being processed until the victim eventually lost hope,” said Insp Msebele.
She said police were concerned that some victims could be reluctant to report the alleged scams because of the relatively small amount of money involved.
“Police are appealing to all victims who may have been scammed by this suspect to come forward and make reports.
“Because of the small value involved, some people tend not to report such cases,” she said.
Insp Msebele urged anyone who may have fallen victim to the alleged scam to visit ZRP Khumalo, Office 68, Bulawayo, to make a report.
She also urged members of the public to exercise caution when dealing with accommodation agents on social media, advising prospective tenants to verify accommodation listings and the identities of agents before making any payments.
