Single mother loses everything to nursing school scamsters

Liliosa Jakata, a 46-year-old single mother from Mupamaonde village in Masvingo, sold her only four cattle after being told by individuals claiming political connections that they could secure nursing training placements for her daughters — for a fee.

Believing the promise would secure spots at Silveira Mission Hospital, Jakata transferred large sums of money, only for her daughters never to be enrolled. Her ordeal highlights a growing racket in Zimbabwe where scammers exploit families desperate for coveted nursing school positions.

Nursing qualifications in Zimbabwe are in high demand due to limited spaces, government stipends, and employment opportunities abroad. This has created fertile ground for fraudsters claiming political influence over recruitment.

Jakata's ordeal began in August 2024, when a student nurse, Thomas Wasosa, offered to help. By June 2025, she had been referred to others, including Tapiwa Marongera and Wellington Mutisi, who demanded escalating payments. To meet the demands, Jakata sold her four cattle, leaving her destitute. Despite repeated assurances, neither daughter was enrolled in the programme.

Investigations have led to Wasosa's arrest, while Marongera remains at large. Authorities are also searching for Mutisi, who denies involvement. The case is currently before the Bikita Magistrates' Court.

Jakata's case is not isolated. Other victims report being solicited for fees by individuals claiming Zanu-PF connections, often without ever receiving placements.

While MPs and local leaders are allowed to recommend candidates under a 10% quota system, the Ministry of Health and Child Care maintains that no informal allocations exist and that official recruitment requires no payments to private individuals.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe has warned the public against paying intermediaries who claim influence, urging families to use official channels only.

This story exposes the vulnerabilities within Zimbabwe's nursing recruitment system and the exploitation of families who trust in political promises.