By Chantelle Muzanrnhamo
A 43-year-old man from Zvishavane has become the latest victim of a notorious scam known locally as ‘chadonha,’ losing a staggering US$15,000 to a group of con artists in Harare.
The victim, identified as Luckson Daka, was targeted shortly after he disembarked from an Inter-Africa bus on November 19.
Reports indicate that Wellington Nhiwatiwa, 46, along with seven accomplices who remain at large, approached Daka with a seemingly lucrative scheme.
The scammers reportedly dropped a bundle of counterfeit banknotes wrapped in plastic at Daka’s feet, misleading him into believing he had stumbled upon a fortune.
The deceptive plot escalated when Daka was convinced to travel with the group to Harare Kopje mountain, with promises of shared wealth.
Once at the mountain, Daka faced a further twist in the scam as five men, pretending to be police officers, confronted him.
In a shocking turn of events, the fake officers seized Daka’s own money, a substantial sum of US$15,000, which he had kept in his satchel.
Fortunately,one of the suspects Wellington Nhiwatiwa was arrested shortly after the incident, however, the remaining suspects are still on the run, prompting police to intensify their search.
Wellington Nhiwatiwa has since appeared before Harare Provincial Magistrate Isheanesu Matova to face fraud charges.
The Zvishavane community has been shocked by this incident, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness around scams like ‘chadonha’ that prey on unsuspecting individuals.