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US NGO slaps Zimbabwean woman with cease-and-desist order
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International Christian humanitarian organisation Samaritan's Purse has issued a strong cease-and-desist order against a Zimbabwean woman accused of falsely claiming to represent the US-based charity in court cases, contracts, and philanthropy activities.
In a letter seen by this publication, Harare law firm Mtetwa & Nyambirai, acting on behalf of Samaritan's Purse, warned Chido Madosi to stop what it described as "fraudulent misrepresentation of authority" to act for the organisation.
"Our client has no presence in Zimbabwe and has not authorised you, or any person in Zimbabwe, to hold yourself out as a director or other representative of the organisation," wrote lawyer Doug Coltart.
The charity, registered in the United States as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, said it was alarmed by reports that Madosi presented herself under various titles — including "Country Disciple of Samaritan Purse based in the USA," "Founder and Director," and "Managing Director" of an entity she called Samaritan Purse.
According to the letter, Madosi allegedly initiated litigation and entered into contracts using the name — actions that "create or are likely to create the false impression" of affiliation with the globally recognised organisation.
The charity accused her of conduct amounting to fraud, passing off, and intellectual property violations.
"By misrepresenting yourself as being affiliated with our client, you are engaging in conduct that in our view could amount to fraudulent misrepresentation… and violations of intellectual property rights and the reputation of our client internationally," the letter read.
The legal team demanded Madosi immediately cease and desist from using the charity's name, logo, or any variation such as "Samaritan Purse." She was also warned that soliciting funds or services under the name constituted a serious offence.
She has been given seven days to confirm compliance in writing, failing which Samaritan's Purse says it will pursue both civil and criminal action.
The letter was also copied to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, hinting at possible escalation into criminal proceedings.
Founded in 1970 and led by Franklin Graham, son of the late evangelist Billy Graham, Samaritan's Purse operates globally, providing humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and faith-based outreach.
In a letter seen by this publication, Harare law firm Mtetwa & Nyambirai, acting on behalf of Samaritan's Purse, warned Chido Madosi to stop what it described as "fraudulent misrepresentation of authority" to act for the organisation.
"Our client has no presence in Zimbabwe and has not authorised you, or any person in Zimbabwe, to hold yourself out as a director or other representative of the organisation," wrote lawyer Doug Coltart.
The charity, registered in the United States as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, said it was alarmed by reports that Madosi presented herself under various titles — including "Country Disciple of Samaritan Purse based in the USA," "Founder and Director," and "Managing Director" of an entity she called Samaritan Purse.
According to the letter, Madosi allegedly initiated litigation and entered into contracts using the name — actions that "create or are likely to create the false impression" of affiliation with the globally recognised organisation.
The charity accused her of conduct amounting to fraud, passing off, and intellectual property violations.
"By misrepresenting yourself as being affiliated with our client, you are engaging in conduct that in our view could amount to fraudulent misrepresentation… and violations of intellectual property rights and the reputation of our client internationally," the letter read.
The legal team demanded Madosi immediately cease and desist from using the charity's name, logo, or any variation such as "Samaritan Purse." She was also warned that soliciting funds or services under the name constituted a serious offence.
She has been given seven days to confirm compliance in writing, failing which Samaritan's Purse says it will pursue both civil and criminal action.
The letter was also copied to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, hinting at possible escalation into criminal proceedings.
Founded in 1970 and led by Franklin Graham, son of the late evangelist Billy Graham, Samaritan's Purse operates globally, providing humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and faith-based outreach.
Source - NewZimbabwe
