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Teacher arrested over US$1 100 job scam
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A ST Joseph's High School teacher in Mutare has been arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) for allegedly defrauding two women of a combined US$1 100 by promising them teaching jobs.
The accused, Melline Chirinda (40), who is employed under the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, is expected to appear before the Mutare Magistrates' Court facing two counts of fraud.
According to the memo of arrest, Chirinda allegedly posed as "Ms Martin" in January 2025 and approached one of the complainants, Mercylyn Gonouya (34) of Chigodora, claiming she could secure her a teaching post in exchange for a US$700 facilitation fee.
Gonouya allegedly paid US$550 upfront, after which Chirinda reportedly stopped responding to calls and messages. The complainant later identified "Ms Martin" as Chirinda through Facebook.
In February 2026, Gonouya confronted the accused in the presence of her husband demanding repayment. Chirinda allegedly claimed the funds had already been forwarded to other individuals.
Following intervention by officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education on May 13, 2026, Chirinda reportedly refunded the US$550.
In a second case, Chirinda is alleged to have defrauded Tafadzwa Hellen Mutseyangwa (37), a self-employed woman from Mutare Rural Police Camp, of a further US$550 in January 2026 after promising her a teaching post within a week.
The accused allegedly became evasive after receiving the money and failed to provide proof of recruitment via WhatsApp messages, according to court documents. The money in the second case has not been recovered.
ZACC was alerted on May 20, 2026, leading to investigations and the eventual arrest of Chirinda on May 28, 2026.
Both complainants are said to have been prejudiced of US$550 each, with only one victim having since been reimbursed.
The matter is now before the courts.
The accused, Melline Chirinda (40), who is employed under the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, is expected to appear before the Mutare Magistrates' Court facing two counts of fraud.
According to the memo of arrest, Chirinda allegedly posed as "Ms Martin" in January 2025 and approached one of the complainants, Mercylyn Gonouya (34) of Chigodora, claiming she could secure her a teaching post in exchange for a US$700 facilitation fee.
Gonouya allegedly paid US$550 upfront, after which Chirinda reportedly stopped responding to calls and messages. The complainant later identified "Ms Martin" as Chirinda through Facebook.
In February 2026, Gonouya confronted the accused in the presence of her husband demanding repayment. Chirinda allegedly claimed the funds had already been forwarded to other individuals.
In a second case, Chirinda is alleged to have defrauded Tafadzwa Hellen Mutseyangwa (37), a self-employed woman from Mutare Rural Police Camp, of a further US$550 in January 2026 after promising her a teaching post within a week.
The accused allegedly became evasive after receiving the money and failed to provide proof of recruitment via WhatsApp messages, according to court documents. The money in the second case has not been recovered.
ZACC was alerted on May 20, 2026, leading to investigations and the eventual arrest of Chirinda on May 28, 2026.
Both complainants are said to have been prejudiced of US$550 each, with only one victim having since been reimbursed.
The matter is now before the courts.
Source - Manica Post
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