Mambo Ndini and Tinashe Zimunya are On the Run After US$300 000 Scam
Zimbabwean high society fraudsters, Andy Baleni, aka Mambo Ndini and Tinashe Zimunya, have fled the country, with South Africa being the most likely destination. The pair allegedly swindled more than 70 people of $300,000 in a cement supply scam that they advertised through social media platforms, falsely claiming to sell cement at a lower price with free delivery anywhere in Zimbabwe. The victims, who fell for the scam, have been left counting their losses while the suspects continue to flaunt their wealth on social media.
As a result of the scam, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and police are currently in pursuit of the two suspects, engaging Interpol and other forces in the region to account for them.
ZACC released a statement urging the public to come forward with information on the whereabouts of the accused persons. “Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of these criminals kindly report to ZACC either via our social media platforms Twitter, Facebook or WhatsApp line 0719529483, or our landlines 024 2369602/5/8/14.”
[Image Credit: Twitter/@ZACConline]Victims recount their ordeal
Some of the victims of the scam recounted their experiences. “I lost $13,000, which was meant to buy cement. We saw their advertisement in the media, promising delivery within seven days, and we fell for it,” said one of the victims.
Another victim added, “I’m afraid that I will never get my money back. I had a construction project underway and needed the cement urgently.”
Authorities intensify their search
According to The Herald, national police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, has urged the public to exercise due diligence before making any payments. He also confirmed that authorities were still looking for the suspects and still appealing for information leading to their arrest.
“We are still looking for the suspects and still appealing for information leading to their arrest. The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned with fraud cases involving purported sale of cement “on special offer” to unsuspecting members of the public through advertisements on social media and radio stations by a company known as Koffie and King Hardware allegedly situated at 10 Mbuya Nehanda Street, Harare,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police and ZACC are taking the case seriously and are doing all they can to bring the suspects to justice. Anyone with information that can help in tracking down Mambo Ndini and Tinashe Zimunya should contact the relevant authorities immediately.