An EcoCash agent in Dzivarasekwa 4, Harare, has been arrested for allegedly ste@ling $13,000 that was donated through social media to pay for the medical expenses of Nigel Makono’s niece, who needed treatment abroad.
Tendai Chibwe, 46, appeared in court on August 8, 2024, where he faced fraud charges.
He was granted bail of US$100 and will return to court on September 26 while the investigation continues.
According to prosecutor Thomas Chanakira, Nigel Makono’s niece, Ruth Hwarara, needed an urgent kidney transplant in January 2024.
Since Makono didn’t have enough money, he asked for donations on social media.
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He received money through his EcoCash account but needed to transfer the funds to handle more donations.
On April 3, 2024, Makono went to Chibwe’s EcoCash shop to withdraw US$6,000. After transferring the money in several parts, Chibwe assured him it was all set. However, Chibwe only gave Makono US$500 and said he would return with the rest within 30 minutes. Makono couldn’t meet him again because he was busy caring for his niece.
Makono ended up sending more money to Chibwe, totaling US$13,000. Chibwe only gave him US$1,100, and when Makono tried to get the rest of the money, Chibwe avoided him.
So far, only US$1,100 has been recovered out of the US$13,000 stolen.
