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Woman breaks down in the dock
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A tearful woman appeared before Harare Magistrate Lisah Mutendereki today, recounting the emotional and financial toll she has endured after allegedly being swindled out of US$5,000 by a man who promised her a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for a UK visa.
Blessing Nyamadzwawo, visibly distressed, detailed her heartbreaking ordeal at the hands of the accused, Blessing Gwengwe, a man she claims had deceived her not only out of her hard-earned savings but also swindled over 30 other women who had sought his assistance in relocating to the United Kingdom.
In a raw and emotional testimony, Nyamadzwawo described the intense strain the fraudulent scheme had placed on her family. Her husband, growing increasingly frustrated with the prolonged visa process, eventually became so upset that he evicted her from their home.
The financial burden was crushing for Nyamadzwawo, who had raised the US$5,000 she paid to Gwengwe with great difficulty. Now bankrupt, she revealed that the money she had borrowed had left her struggling to support her children, who were forced to miss school while she battles to repay various loans.
"I lost my job in 2024 and now teach at a private school in Chinhoyi. Most of my salary goes toward repaying loans, and every time I come to court, deductions are taken from my pay. This man has brought so much misery into my life," Nyamadzwawo said, wiping away tears.
Nyamadzwawo also revealed the psychological toll the scam had on her, describing how her situation had become unbearable. Despite her family's efforts to help her reunite with her husband, she had no choice but to move in with her uncle.
The woman recalled how Gwengwe had initially asked her to provide her passport for the visa application. However, as time passed, he could only show her a Certificate of Sponsorship on his computer screen, which raised suspicions. It was only after discussing the matter with colleagues that Nyamadzwawo realized she had been duped.
"The certificate was just on his computer, and he kept saying it was in process. But when I spoke to my colleagues, I realized that something was wrong," Nyamadzwawo explained.
In court, she pleaded for justice, emphasizing the lasting impact the scam has had on her life, both financially and emotionally. She described how the promise of a better future for herself and her family had instead led to a nightmare of financial ruin, emotional distress, and family separation.
Gwengwe, who is facing charges of fraud, allegedly exploited the desperation of several women seeking to migrate to the UK, taking advantage of their trust and hard-earned money with false promises of sponsorship.
As the case continues to unfold, Nyamadzwawo's testimony has highlighted the broader issue of fraudulent immigration schemes that prey on vulnerable individuals, offering false hope and leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. The court is expected to hear further evidence as the trial progresses.
Blessing Nyamadzwawo, visibly distressed, detailed her heartbreaking ordeal at the hands of the accused, Blessing Gwengwe, a man she claims had deceived her not only out of her hard-earned savings but also swindled over 30 other women who had sought his assistance in relocating to the United Kingdom.
In a raw and emotional testimony, Nyamadzwawo described the intense strain the fraudulent scheme had placed on her family. Her husband, growing increasingly frustrated with the prolonged visa process, eventually became so upset that he evicted her from their home.
The financial burden was crushing for Nyamadzwawo, who had raised the US$5,000 she paid to Gwengwe with great difficulty. Now bankrupt, she revealed that the money she had borrowed had left her struggling to support her children, who were forced to miss school while she battles to repay various loans.
"I lost my job in 2024 and now teach at a private school in Chinhoyi. Most of my salary goes toward repaying loans, and every time I come to court, deductions are taken from my pay. This man has brought so much misery into my life," Nyamadzwawo said, wiping away tears.
The woman recalled how Gwengwe had initially asked her to provide her passport for the visa application. However, as time passed, he could only show her a Certificate of Sponsorship on his computer screen, which raised suspicions. It was only after discussing the matter with colleagues that Nyamadzwawo realized she had been duped.
"The certificate was just on his computer, and he kept saying it was in process. But when I spoke to my colleagues, I realized that something was wrong," Nyamadzwawo explained.
In court, she pleaded for justice, emphasizing the lasting impact the scam has had on her life, both financially and emotionally. She described how the promise of a better future for herself and her family had instead led to a nightmare of financial ruin, emotional distress, and family separation.
Gwengwe, who is facing charges of fraud, allegedly exploited the desperation of several women seeking to migrate to the UK, taking advantage of their trust and hard-earned money with false promises of sponsorship.
As the case continues to unfold, Nyamadzwawo's testimony has highlighted the broader issue of fraudulent immigration schemes that prey on vulnerable individuals, offering false hope and leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. The court is expected to hear further evidence as the trial progresses.
Source - The Chronicle
