By Staff Reporter

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested a Bulawayo married couple for allegedly duping scores of locals of over US$100 000 on promises of jobs in Canada, United Kingdom and Ireland.

The suspects, Gwendoline Ndhlovu (35) and her husband Melusi Ndhlovu (36) were operating from rented offices in Bulawayo.

The duo is said to have conned 46 prospective job seekers from whom they collected a total of $134 552 between August 2022 and May this year.

ZRP national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the matter.

“The ZRP confirms the arrest of a couple, Gwendoline and Melusi Ndhlovu in connection with 46 counts of fraud which occurred between August 2022 and May 3, 2023,” said Nyathi.

“The suspects duped complainants of US$134 552 after posing as agents of an undisclosed firm involved in facilitating jobs in Canada, UK and Ireland.

“Investigations by police revealed that processing of the purported employment opportunities by the suspects was said to be done within three weeks upon payment of U$4 000, resulting in interviews being conducted through WhatsApp.

“Suspects would give complainants excuses upon lapse of the three weeks waiting period. Resultantly, 46 victims fell to the scam and were defrauded approximately US$134 552,” the police spokesperson said.

The fraud was exposed on May 3 following the arrest of Melusi as he tried to flee after one complainant reported the matter to police.

Gwendoline was subsequently arrested at Bulawayo Police Station, where she had visited her husband.