A group of five women is lamenting a significant loss after falling victim to a purported savings scheme, commonly referred to as mukando, which resulted in a total loss of $30,000. The women are part of a larger cohort of 23 who had banded together for a savings initiative.
Reports from H Metro indicate that one of the women was hospitalized, suffering from anxiety and distress after realizing she had been cheated out of her hard-earned money.
The group began their savings efforts in January and continued until the end of December last year. They were expecting to distribute an amount close to $30,000, but to their disbelief, the leader of the scheme, Ruthy Charlie Mufundisi, only provided $1,200 when the funds were supposed to be shared among members.
Ruthy is reportedly collaborating with another individual identified as Dunior Shahari. The situation has escalated to the Small Claims Court, where a hearing is scheduled for today.
One woman, who wishes to be identified as Edna, revealed that she lost $4,100 in the scheme and has since filed a lawsuit. Sources indicate that Ruthy has been elusive since the disappointing payout, which has left many members feeling betrayed. Although she offered an apology, it was met with skepticism and was not accepted by her fellow participants.
Court documents reveal: “The plaintiff (Edna) is seeking $4,100 from the defendants related to the mukando agreement, which was to be repaid in December 2024, per previous arrangements… The defendants have benefited unlawfully from this situation.”
Edna claims she was introduced to Shahari by Mufundisi, and that both were engaged in a scheme to mislead her and others, depriving her of her $4,100. The plaintiff alleges she made numerous requests for her money, to no avail, prompting her to seek legal redress.
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In response to inquiries, Ruthy explained: “Some individuals have even taken to social media to spread misinformation. I had my own debts, like every other member, which I couldn’t settle on the scheduled payment date. I acknowledged my responsibility to repay, and I have signed affidavits outlining my commitment to return the money.
“I faced personal challenges, leading to delays in my payments. I am only indebted to those with whom I have formal agreements, not to every member of our group.”
Ruthy continued, asserting her complicated position as the group’s leader while also being a participant: “I didn’t collect extra money for myself; I was receiving loans from the group, too. I only had $1,200 to distribute because I was struggling.”
However, Edna, whose case is being heard today, countered, “When joining the mukando, each member specifies how many shares they wish to purchase, and I opted for three shares at $100 each. I was supposed to receive $4,100 after 11 months of contributions, but I grew suspicious when statements were not provided.
“On the day of sharing, Ruthy only brought $1,200, leading to an argument that escalated to the police station, where a report was filed. We have now been referred to the Harare Civil Court for the small claims process.”
