Couple linked to US$130,000 UK, Canada, Ireland job scam

Police in Bulawayo are urging the public to come forward with any information regarding the whereabouts of Gwendolyn and Melusi Ndlovu, a couple wanted in connection with a series of fraud cases that took place throughout 2023.

The Ndlovus are accused of committing 18 fraud offenses between January and July 2023, defrauding victims of a total of US$134,552. According to police reports, the couple posed as agents working for a company that purportedly facilitated job placements in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. Victims, under the impression that they were securing legitimate overseas employment, made substantial payments to the couple, only to later discover they had been scammed.

The fraudulent activities were exposed when one of the victims, Alison Unami, reported the matter to the police on May 3, 2023. Gwendolyn Ndlovu was arrested shortly thereafter, and the following day, her husband, Melusi Ndlovu, was apprehended at the Bulawayo police station while visiting his wife.

In the initial media coverage of the case, an error was made in the report, mistakenly identifying Alison Unami as one of the accused. Bulawayo Police Spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube, clarified the mistake, stating, "We want to correct the error in the media statement. Alison Unami is a victim in this case, not a perpetrator."

Following their arrests, the Ndlovus were granted bail with conditions that included reporting to the police three times a week. However, the couple allegedly provided a false address to the court, claiming they resided at 568 Ntepe, Gwanda, when in fact they had previously lived at 300 Ntshonalanga Road, Sunninghill, Bulawayo.

Inspector Ncube explained, "After failing to comply with their bail conditions, the Ndlovus absconded, and a warrant for their arrest has been issued." He further appealed to the public for assistance, saying, "We are urging anyone with information about their whereabouts to contact their nearest police station."

The police spokesperson also took the opportunity to clarify the roles of other individuals involved in the case, emphasizing, "It is important to note that Alison Unami and Sitshengisiwe Ndlovu are victims in this case. The individuals we are currently seeking are only Gwendolyn and Melusi Ndlovu."

As the investigation continues, law enforcement agencies are working diligently to locate the fugitive couple and bring them to justice. Police have asked the public to remain vigilant and report any leads regarding the Ndlovus' location.