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4 convicted for selling fake NUST graduation invitation cards
2 hrs ago |
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Four individuals have been convicted by the Bulawayo Magistrates' Court for forging and selling counterfeit National University of Science and Technology (NUST) graduation invitation cards, following their arrest during the university's graduation ceremony on 3 October 2025.
The convicted are Carol Tinotenda Makadzange (28), Ike Marcus Chinyuku (26), Rudo Joyce Kavande (27), and Mqondisi Mlilo (27). They faced charges of possession of articles for criminal use after being found with fake graduation cards intended to defraud parents and guardians.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the four devised a scheme to print and sell counterfeit NUST graduation invitation cards. The scam was uncovered when an undercover officer purchased a fake card for US$10 from Makadzange, who then implicated her accomplices.
A subsequent search led to the recovery of 197 counterfeit cards, US$310 and ZAR700 in cash from illegal sales, and a desktop computer used to produce the fraudulent invitations.
The court found all four guilty, imposing fines of US$350 each or seven months imprisonment in default of payment. An additional three-month imprisonment sentence was suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour. All seized property, including the cards, cash, and computer, was forfeited to the State.
In a statement, NPAZ emphasized the need to safeguard academic institutions and events from fraud. "Academic events and institutions must be protected from fraudsters who prey on public excitement," the authority said.
The convictions serve as a warning that law enforcement remains vigilant in combating crime and corruption to ensure justice is upheld.
The convicted are Carol Tinotenda Makadzange (28), Ike Marcus Chinyuku (26), Rudo Joyce Kavande (27), and Mqondisi Mlilo (27). They faced charges of possession of articles for criminal use after being found with fake graduation cards intended to defraud parents and guardians.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the four devised a scheme to print and sell counterfeit NUST graduation invitation cards. The scam was uncovered when an undercover officer purchased a fake card for US$10 from Makadzange, who then implicated her accomplices.
A subsequent search led to the recovery of 197 counterfeit cards, US$310 and ZAR700 in cash from illegal sales, and a desktop computer used to produce the fraudulent invitations.
The court found all four guilty, imposing fines of US$350 each or seven months imprisonment in default of payment. An additional three-month imprisonment sentence was suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour. All seized property, including the cards, cash, and computer, was forfeited to the State.
In a statement, NPAZ emphasized the need to safeguard academic institutions and events from fraud. "Academic events and institutions must be protected from fraudsters who prey on public excitement," the authority said.
The convictions serve as a warning that law enforcement remains vigilant in combating crime and corruption to ensure justice is upheld.
Source - The Chronicle
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