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Fake pastor defrauds UK-based woman
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A 33-year-old Chitungwiza man who allegedly masqueraded as a pastor with spiritual powers to heal cancer has pleaded guilty to defrauding a United Kingdom-based woman of US$25,900.
Kelvin Nyamhika appeared before Harare magistrate Jacqueline Gara facing fraud charges. He pleaded guilty and was remanded in custody pending sentencing.
The complainant, Mildred Zvimbvatu, is based in the UK.
The court heard that Nyamhika, who was a friend of Zvimbvatu's son, Tinashe Zvimbvatu, initially contacted her on WhatsApp in 2023 using his Econet line.
According to prosecutor Kanchelskis Ropi, Nyamhika developed a friendship with Zvimbvatu, who confided in him about personal and family problems.
The two remained in contact after she relocated to the UK.
The court heard that Nyamhika later devised a plan to defraud her by claiming that he could connect her with a pastor who could spiritually heal her daughter, who was battling cancer.
He allegedly acquired another Econet line registered in the name of Exter Kambalame and used it to assume the identity of "Pastor Mugoriwe" from a church called City of Truth.
Nyamhika allegedly told Zvimbvatu that he had seen, through the "realm of the Holy Spirit", misfortunes affecting her family and instructed her to send money towards prayers.
Zvimbvatu subsequently sent several payments to Nyamhika's EcoCash account through WorldRemit.
The payments accumulated to US$15,900, but Nyamhika allegedly continued demanding more money for the purported prayers.
The court further heard that Nyamhika later claimed to have connections at the United Kingdom Embassy and offered to assist Zvimbvatu in obtaining visa documentation for her daughter and grandchild.
He allegedly demanded US$10,000 for the service.
Zvimbvatu sent US$6,250 to Nyamhika's EcoCash account through WorldRemit, while her aunt, Babra Mugandani, who is based in the United States, allegedly sent the remaining US$3,750.
After receiving the money, Nyamhika allegedly became evasive and blocked Zvimbvatu on social media platforms.
She subsequently realised that she had been defrauded and reported the matter to the police.
Investigations followed, with police issuing a search and seizure warrant to Econet Wireless.
The mobile network operator provided investigators with Nyamhika's particulars and call history, leading to his identification.
The total amount allegedly prejudiced was US$25,900, and none of the money was recovered.
Nyamhika remains in custody pending sentencing.
Kelvin Nyamhika appeared before Harare magistrate Jacqueline Gara facing fraud charges. He pleaded guilty and was remanded in custody pending sentencing.
The complainant, Mildred Zvimbvatu, is based in the UK.
The court heard that Nyamhika, who was a friend of Zvimbvatu's son, Tinashe Zvimbvatu, initially contacted her on WhatsApp in 2023 using his Econet line.
According to prosecutor Kanchelskis Ropi, Nyamhika developed a friendship with Zvimbvatu, who confided in him about personal and family problems.
The two remained in contact after she relocated to the UK.
The court heard that Nyamhika later devised a plan to defraud her by claiming that he could connect her with a pastor who could spiritually heal her daughter, who was battling cancer.
He allegedly acquired another Econet line registered in the name of Exter Kambalame and used it to assume the identity of "Pastor Mugoriwe" from a church called City of Truth.
Nyamhika allegedly told Zvimbvatu that he had seen, through the "realm of the Holy Spirit", misfortunes affecting her family and instructed her to send money towards prayers.
Zvimbvatu subsequently sent several payments to Nyamhika's EcoCash account through WorldRemit.
The court further heard that Nyamhika later claimed to have connections at the United Kingdom Embassy and offered to assist Zvimbvatu in obtaining visa documentation for her daughter and grandchild.
He allegedly demanded US$10,000 for the service.
Zvimbvatu sent US$6,250 to Nyamhika's EcoCash account through WorldRemit, while her aunt, Babra Mugandani, who is based in the United States, allegedly sent the remaining US$3,750.
After receiving the money, Nyamhika allegedly became evasive and blocked Zvimbvatu on social media platforms.
She subsequently realised that she had been defrauded and reported the matter to the police.
Investigations followed, with police issuing a search and seizure warrant to Econet Wireless.
The mobile network operator provided investigators with Nyamhika's particulars and call history, leading to his identification.
The total amount allegedly prejudiced was US$25,900, and none of the money was recovered.
Nyamhika remains in custody pending sentencing.
Source - H-Metro
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