Zanu-PF director defrauded prospective nursing course applicant of US$530

Stanford Chigumira, the ZANU-PF director of health services, appeared before Harare Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa on charges of defrauding a parent seeking a nursing position for her son. The complainant, Miriam Mverechana, alleges she was duped out of US$530 by Chigumira in a fraudulent scheme involving a nurse training program.

Chigumira, who faces accusations of misrepresenting his influence within the Ministry of Health, was not asked to plead to the charges and was granted bail set at US$300. He was remanded to appear in court again on January 19, 2025.

According to court documents, the incident occurred in June 2024 when the Ministry of Health advertised an opportunity for individuals to apply for a two-year certificate in primary nursing training. Chigumira is said to have conspired with Evelyn Shonhiwa, who remains at large, to defraud unsuspecting applicants by promising them a place in the program.

The duo allegedly claimed to have strong connections within the Ministry of Health, with Chigumira asserting that his ties to the Minister of Health would secure a spot for applicants, including Mverechana's son, Dylan Kundai Huchu. The court papers state that they falsely represented themselves as the recruitment authorities for the ZANU-PF Medical Directorate, which Chigumira heads.

On August 2, 2024, Mverechana and her son, despite only managing to raise US$500 instead of the requested US$800, went to the ZANU-PF headquarters where they met Shonhiwa. The two were then taken to Chigumira's motor vehicle and driven to Afgate Surgery in central Harare. Upon arrival, Mverechana handed over the US$500 to Shonhiwa, who questioned the shortfall before passing the money to Chigumira.

Chigumira and Shonhiwa allegedly reassured Mverechana and her son by showing them the surgery and emphasizing that Chigumira's influence within the Ministry would guarantee her son's placement in the program. However, Shonhiwa soon demanded an additional US$30, citing the involvement of multiple stakeholders in the process. Mverechana transferred the extra amount via EcoCash before they departed the premises.

Despite the assurances, Mverechana's son was never recruited for the nursing program as promised. Distressed by the situation, Mverechana contacted the Ministry of Health and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), which led to an investigation and Chigumira's arrest.

The US$530 remains unaccounted for, and Chigumira is facing serious charges related to fraud and misrepresentation. The case is ongoing, and the accused is expected to return to court early next year.