adminJohannes Chitiki
IT is said fortune knocks once at one’s door. And when Lady Luck comes calling, the world can change. Suddenly, “financial” advisors flock one’s way while allegations — founded and unfounded — are thrown around by the superstitious about the “real” source of the new found fortune.
When fortune visited Mellisa Mapfumo of Harare’s Crowborough North a fortnight ago, she became the first female to win the OK Grand Challenge grand prize.
Suddenly a lot of stories about the 26-year Mhondoro born lady flew around.
Social media were awash with reports that Mapfumo broke up with long-time boyfriend Ntando Moyo a few hours after she won the US$60 000 Ford Ranger Wildtrak truck.
And the young lady is inundated with “advice” from all angles.
Some are telling her to keep the top-notch vehicle. Others say she should sell it and use the money to buy a house or start a business.
She says, “I haven’t made a decision yet, my mind is overwhelmed with excitement. The week has been hectic. I have been receiving numerous calls from friends, family members and workmates giving me all sorts of advice.
“I need time to think about this and am praying every day so that God will guide me to make a sound decision.” A man who works for the National Railway of Zimbabwe, where Mapfumo is doing third-year electrical engineering apprenticeship, also offered his own piece of advice when The Sunday Mail visited her work station a few days after the OK Grand Challenge.
“Please may you assist this young lady to sell the car, she will struggle to maintain this big machine,” said the man who refused to be identified
Mapfumo lives with her brothers at the family home in Crowborough North, while her parents have retired to their rural home in Mhondoro.
She denies claims that she dumped boyfriend Ntando, who is into interior décor, industrial welding and house renovations.
“It is all lies, we are getting along well with my boyfriend. I cannot just leave him because I have won this expensive car. I am seriously committed . . . We have come a long way and this is just our blessing from God,” says Mafumo.
Her sister Nyasha confirms that nothing has changed between the two lovers as alleged on social media.
Ntando told us he wanted to marry his sweetheart.
“I am surprised to hear that there is a rumour that Mellisa and I have broken up; that is the wish of jealous people. We have been seeing each other for four years now, I have been introduced to her relatives and I have also introduced her to my family. We are to engage any time soon,” said Moyo.
Moyo said he would not influence his lover on what to do with the car.
“I have to give the chance to her relatives, they are the ones who should help her come up with the best decision. I have not discussed this issue with her … I was invited to her place the day she won that car and we celebrated together.”
Mapfumo has since changed her WhatsApp profile picture to that of a Ford Ranger Wildtrak.
Online Reporter