Woman Testifies in Court About Alleged UK Visa Scam.
Harare, Zimbabwe - A woman broke down in tears as she testified in court about the emotional and financial toll of an alleged scam. She says a Harare man promised her a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the United Kingdom but swindled her out of US$5,000.
Blessing Nyamadzwawo appeared before Magistrate Lisah Mutendereki. She detailed her ordeal at the hands of Blessing Gwengwe, the accused.
Nyamadzwawo said Gwengwe deceived her and over 30 other women. The women were seeking help to move to the UK.
The long wait for the CoS and visa caused problems for Nyamadzwawo's family. Her husband became frustrated. He eventually kicked her out of their home.
Nyamadzwawo said the US$5,000 she paid Gwengwe left her bankrupt. Her children have missed school because she is struggling to repay loans.
"I lost my job in 2024 and teach at a private school in Chinhoyi," she said. "Most of my salary goes toward repaying loans. Every time I come to court, money is taken from my pay. This man has brought much misery into my life."
Nyamadzwawo's family has tried to help her reunite with her husband. But she said her situation is unbearable. She is staying with her uncle.
She recalled how Gwengwe called her to bring her passport for the visa application. After some time, he could only show her a CoS on his computer. Nyamadzwawo realized she had been deceived after talking to her colleagues about it.
The case against Gwengwe is ongoing.
Harare, Zimbabwe - A woman broke down in tears as she testified in court about the emotional and financial toll of an alleged scam. She says a Harare man promised her a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the United Kingdom but swindled her out of US$5,000.
Blessing Nyamadzwawo appeared before Magistrate Lisah Mutendereki. She detailed her ordeal at the hands of Blessing Gwengwe, the accused.
Nyamadzwawo said Gwengwe deceived her and over 30 other women. The women were seeking help to move to the UK.
The long wait for the CoS and visa caused problems for Nyamadzwawo's family. Her husband became frustrated. He eventually kicked her out of their home.
Nyamadzwawo said the US$5,000 she paid Gwengwe left her bankrupt. Her children have missed school because she is struggling to repay loans.
"I lost my job in 2024 and teach at a private school in Chinhoyi," she said. "Most of my salary goes toward repaying loans. Every time I come to court, money is taken from my pay. This man has brought much misery into my life."
Nyamadzwawo's family has tried to help her reunite with her husband. But she said her situation is unbearable. She is staying with her uncle.
She recalled how Gwengwe called her to bring her passport for the visa application. After some time, he could only show her a CoS on his computer. Nyamadzwawo realized she had been deceived after talking to her colleagues about it.
The case against Gwengwe is ongoing.
