Zimbabwean Women Arrested for Defrauding Citizens of Over US$47,000 in UK Job Scam

Fraudsters continue to exploit Zimbabweans desperate for work abroad, particularly in the UK, by offering fake job placements in exchange for hefty fees.

In the most recent case, two women from Bulawayo were arrested after defrauding eight individuals of US$47,811 in facilitation fees. This scheme operated undetected for almost two years, preying on citizens’ hopes of securing work in the UK.

The suspects, identified as Nokuthula Sibanda (63) and Nothando Ndlovu (48), were arrested by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) after their fraudulent activities came to light. They had been posing as legitimate job placement agencies.

According to a ZRP statement, the women used fake promises of securing employment in the UK to lure jobseekers into paying them large sums of money for so-called facilitation services. The fraud was perpetrated between December 2022 and November 2024.

The police confirmed that the two women had collected a total of US$47,811 from their victims. The money was primarily paid as fees for the alleged job placement services, which turned out to be non-existent.

The ZRP’s national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the arrest and stated that the women were being charged with multiple counts of fraud. The authorities revealed that the victims had been deceived into believing the women were part of a reputable agency offering job opportunities abroad.

The fraudulent operation highlights the growing issue of employment-related scams targeting Zimbabweans, particularly those seeking opportunities in foreign countries. With unemployment levels high in Zimbabwe, many are eager to escape their financial struggles and are vulnerable to such schemes.

Sibanda and Ndlovu’s fraudulent activities are just the latest in a string of similar scams that have left Zimbabweans out of pocket and disillusioned. The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, with many now questioning the legitimacy of job placement agencies offering opportunities abroad.

The ZRP’s investigation into the matter is ongoing, and the two women are expected to face charges in court. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have urged Zimbabweans to be vigilant when dealing with job placement offers, especially those requiring upfront payments.

This incident underscores the need for greater public awareness of such scams and the importance of verifying the legitimacy of job offers before parting with any money. With fraudsters taking advantage of desperate jobseekers, citizens are being reminded to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.

As more people turn to the internet and social media for job opportunities, the potential for fraud has increased, with scammers able to target a wider audience. Zimbabweans are encouraged to take necessary precautions to avoid falling victim to these deceitful schemes.

The Zim Bulletin