Woman in court over fake pregnancy scam

A Harare woman has appeared in court after allegedly duping a local businessman of US$2,000 through a fake pregnancy and child maintenance claim.

Talent "Bhabhidho" Kwenda appeared before Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai facing extortion charges.

The complainant, businessman Pax Jemwa, reportedly supported Kwenda financially after she claimed to be pregnant with his child, covering her upkeep throughout the alleged pregnancy period.

According to court papers, the two were involved in an extramarital relationship beginning around February 2025. Kwenda allegedly told Jemwa she was expecting his child and began demanding money for her maintenance.

Jemwa continued providing financial support until December 2025, when Kwenda claimed she had given birth to a baby boy named Ronald. However, when he requested to see the child, she allegedly gave excuses and failed to produce the baby while continuing to demand money.

The alleged scam came to light after Jemwa received a tip-off from one of Kwenda's associates, who revealed that she had never been pregnant.

Prosecutors say that after Jemwa stopped sending money, Kwenda threatened to expose their affair to his wife if he did not continue making payments.

He subsequently reported the matter to the police, leading to Kwenda's arrest.

Investigations have also uncovered a second alleged victim, who was reportedly duped after Kwenda claimed she had given birth to his twins and demanded maintenance money. That case is yet to be brought before the courts.

Kwenda remains facing extortion charges as the matter proceeds.