Women charged with fraud over UK relocation scam

Two women from Gwabalanda, Bulawayo have appeared in court facing charges of defrauding multiple people seeking to relocate to the United Kingdom of more than US$165 000.

Nothando Ndlovu (48) and Nokuthula Sibanda (56) appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Lungile Ncube on Thursday, facing 25 counts of fraud. Sibanda is represented by Mashayamombe Co and Attorneys lawyer Mr Simbarashe Innocent Madzivire, while Ndlovu is representing herself. The matter was postponed to 19 February.

Prosecutor Sehliselo Khumalo told the court that between November 2022 and November 2024, the accused misled victims by claiming they could facilitate relocation to the UK. Victims reportedly paid sums ranging from US$620 to US$60 500, after which the women allegedly disappeared with the funds.

Some of the victims named include Ms Siphiwe Dube, who allegedly paid US$60 500; Ms Bridget Nyoni, US$3 032; Demetria Gumbo, US$6 915; Prince Sibanda, US$6 755; and Gift Ronald Banda, US$6 255. Other victims include Margaret Mzizi, Nomaqhawe Ncube, Thabani Nyoni, Siza Ngwenya, Ayandiswa Maphosa, Yolanda Geraldine Banda, Precious Zhande, Bongani Moyo, Everngelista Chirume, Sinikiwe Ngwenya, David Ncube, Nokuthaba Goremucheche, Sisasenkosi Ncube, Patience Zvimba, Sithokozile Moyo, and Sanele Nkomo, with amounts lost ranging from US$1 950 to US$7 450.

"The total amount defrauded by the accused persons is US$165 559," Mr Khumalo informed the court.

The incidents were reported to the police, leading to the arrest of Ndlovu and Sibanda, who now face legal proceedings over the alleged scam targeting would-be UK migrants.