Zvishavane Resident Swindled Out of US$15,000 in ‘Chadonha’ Con Scheme

Luckson Daka, a 43-year-old Zvishavane man, is reeling from a harrowing financial loss after falling victim to the infamous ‘chadonha’ scam in Harare.

The elaborate con unfolded on November 19, when Wellington Nhiwatiwa, aged 46, and seven unidentified accomplices targeted Daka shortly after his arrival in Harare by Inter-Africa bus.

The scammers baited Daka with a decoy—a bundle of counterfeit cash wrapped in plastic—conveniently dropped in his path. They convinced him the stash was real.

Enticed by promises of sharing the money, Daka followed the group to Harare’s Kopje Mountain. There, events took a darker turn as five more men, pretending to be police officers, joined the ploy.

In a calculated move, the con artists stole US$15,000 from Daka’s satchel during the staged encounter. The victim was left stranded and bewildered.

Wellington Nhiwatiwa, one of the alleged masterminds, was arrested soon after the incident. However, his accomplices remain at large, evading law enforcement.

The police are actively investigating and pursuing the missing suspects. Authorities are calling on the public for information that could aid in their capture.

Nhiwatiwa appeared before Harare Provincial Magistrate Isheanesu Matova to face fraud charges. During his court appearance, he challenged his placement on remand.

The court is expected to rule on Nhiwatiwa’s application in the coming days. Meanwhile, the investigation continues as police widen their net.

‘Chadonha’ scams, notorious for targeting unsuspecting individuals, exploit greed and misjudgment. The syndicates behind these schemes often operate in urban areas, where their tactics evolve to evade capture.

For victims like Daka, the financial and emotional toll is devastating, with no immediate recourse for recovery. The search for justice remains arduous.

This high-profile case underscores the need for vigilance among the public. Such scams prey on trust and human error, leaving victims vulnerable.

Authorities are urging citizens to remain cautious, especially when approached by strangers in suspicious circumstances. Investigations into the Zvishavane case are ongoing.

This incident highlights the growing sophistication of criminal operations in Zimbabwe’s urban centers, a troubling trend that requires both awareness and robust policing.

As the court case unfolds, the search for answers—and the missing US$15,000—continues, with the hope of closure for the victim and accountability for the perpetrators.