Zimbabwe Influencers in hot water over fake adverts

Three prominent Zimbabwean content creators - Tarisai "Madam Boss" Chikocho, Royal Mint, and Bridget "Mabrijo" Marufu - have been forced to issue public apologies after it emerged that they had unknowingly endorsed fraudulent companies. The trio, who command massive followings on social media, were each contracted to promote misleading advertisements run by scammers posing as legitimate service providers.

The revelations have sparked widespread debate, with many questioning the growing trend of influencers overshadowing traditional marketing agencies. While their reach offers brands an efficient way to connect with audiences, it has also made them prime targets for criminals exploiting their platforms to spread fraudulent schemes.

Madam Boss was the first to publicly distance herself from one of the companies she had promoted, saying she had been deceived into endorsing an unregistered entity trading as Diamond Migration. In a statement dated November 25, she apologised to her followers and anyone who may have suffered losses after engaging with the advertised services.

"I sincerely apologise to anyone who may have been misled, inconvenienced, or financially affected after seeing the advert associated with my brand," she said. "After further investigation, it came to my attention that the company is not legally registered, not accredited, and does not possess the authority to facilitate immigration or overseas employment. I was misled, and I deeply regret associating my name with their services."

She emphasised that she had no ties to the company and pledged to adopt stricter vetting procedures before entering any future partnerships, adding that protecting her supporters' trust would remain her top priority.

Royal Mint, who is affiliated with the Royal Matrix Rehabilitation Centre, also issued a statement this week after promoting a company that claimed to assist with migration opportunities abroad. He expressed regret for failing to verify the organisation's legitimacy.

"I acted in good faith and had no knowledge that the company would not fulfil its promises," he said. "I take full responsibility for not conducting proper background checks. Your trust means everything to me, and I deeply regret that this situation has compromised that trust."

Mabrijo offered a similar apology, stating that she had been unaware of the fraudulent nature of the company she advertised. She acknowledged the harm caused and expressed remorse for not adequately vetting the business beforehand.

The apologies come amid a growing number of cases in which local influencers have found themselves entangled in fraudulent schemes. Several socialites have recently been summoned to court as witnesses in cases involving scams they unknowingly helped promote.

The situation has reignited calls for tighter industry standards and better due diligence practices among public figures who monetise their online platforms.