Man loses US$3 200 in Europe placement scam

A 28-year-old Masvingo man, Takunda Zizhou, has been defrauded of US$3 200 by a woman who falsely claimed to operate a student and job placement consultancy based in Europe.

Zizhou, of Zimre Park in Masvingo, paid the money in instalments between January and April 2025 after being promised employment opportunities in France.

The accused, Samantha Chiedza Gumbo (36) of Eastlea, Zvishavane, misrepresented that she could secure overseas placement services through her consultancy, prompting Zizhou to send funds via Mukuru and EcoCash transfers.

When no job materialised and the promised services failed to materialise, Zizhou reported the matter to police.

Gumbo was convicted of fraud by Masvingo Magistrate Caroline Tafira Nyoni and sentenced to 26 months in prison. Six months were suspended on condition of good behaviour, while a further 10 months were suspended on condition that she restitutes the full amount of US$3 200 by 4 June 2026. The remaining 10 months were converted into 350 hours of community service at Zvishavane Police Station.

Court records indicate that Gumbo is also facing multiple fraud-related cases in Harare involving several other complainants, suggesting a wider pattern of alleged misrepresentation.

The matter was prosecuted by Leyton Katsidzira.