News / National
Ex-councillor duped of US$11k in fake NGO donation
28 Jan 2025 at 07:04hrs | Views
A former councillor for Beatrice Ward 16 and war veteran, Claudious Nyashanhu, has reportedly lost US$11,000 to a suspected fraudster who promised to secure him US$2 million in funding from a non-governmental organisation (NGO) for community development and campaign purposes. The fraudulent scheme, which allegedly took place last year, was brought to light in court proceedings last week before Harare Provincial Magistrate Apollonia Marutya.
The accused, Gilbert Kanokanga, appeared in court facing charges of fraud. He was remanded in custody and is awaiting a bail application scheduled for today.
According to the prosecutor, Tinotenda Masimba, the events leading to the fraud began in July 2024, when Kanokanga approached Nyashanhu under the pretext of composing a song for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit, which was hosted in Zimbabwe. Kanokanga allegedly requested Nyashanhu's assistance, and the two recorded the song together.
After some time, Kanokanga visited Nyashanhu at his home and falsely claimed that he had the ability to secure a US$2 million donation from an NGO. He promised the former councillor that the funds could be used for community development and his political campaign.
Believing Kanokanga's claims, Nyashanhu agreed to work with him. Kanokanga allegedly instructed Nyashanhu to pay various logistical costs before the donation could be finalized. Initially, Kanokanga asked for US$600 for registration fees, which Nyashanhu paid. Later, Kanokanga demanded another US$1,000 for a certificate of the youth.
As the months passed, Kanokanga continued to make requests for money, with Nyashanhu reportedly giving him a total of US$11,000 in total payments. In September 2024, Kanokanga reassured Nyashanhu that the donation had been secured and would be delivered within two weeks.
However, as time went on, no donation materialized. Kanokanga began giving empty promises and became increasingly evasive when Nyashanhu followed up on the matter. Realizing he had been deceived, Nyashanhu eventually filed a police report, which led to Kanokanga's arrest.
The case has raised concerns over the prevalence of fraudulent schemes targeting individuals in political and community development spheres. As the investigation continues, Nyashanhu's loss serves as a cautionary tale for others who may fall victim to similar scams.
The accused, Gilbert Kanokanga, appeared in court facing charges of fraud. He was remanded in custody and is awaiting a bail application scheduled for today.
According to the prosecutor, Tinotenda Masimba, the events leading to the fraud began in July 2024, when Kanokanga approached Nyashanhu under the pretext of composing a song for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit, which was hosted in Zimbabwe. Kanokanga allegedly requested Nyashanhu's assistance, and the two recorded the song together.
After some time, Kanokanga visited Nyashanhu at his home and falsely claimed that he had the ability to secure a US$2 million donation from an NGO. He promised the former councillor that the funds could be used for community development and his political campaign.
Believing Kanokanga's claims, Nyashanhu agreed to work with him. Kanokanga allegedly instructed Nyashanhu to pay various logistical costs before the donation could be finalized. Initially, Kanokanga asked for US$600 for registration fees, which Nyashanhu paid. Later, Kanokanga demanded another US$1,000 for a certificate of the youth.
As the months passed, Kanokanga continued to make requests for money, with Nyashanhu reportedly giving him a total of US$11,000 in total payments. In September 2024, Kanokanga reassured Nyashanhu that the donation had been secured and would be delivered within two weeks.
However, as time went on, no donation materialized. Kanokanga began giving empty promises and became increasingly evasive when Nyashanhu followed up on the matter. Realizing he had been deceived, Nyashanhu eventually filed a police report, which led to Kanokanga's arrest.
The case has raised concerns over the prevalence of fraudulent schemes targeting individuals in political and community development spheres. As the investigation continues, Nyashanhu's loss serves as a cautionary tale for others who may fall victim to similar scams.
Source - newsday
