BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE — Four individuals have been convicted for their roles in a fake National University of Science and Technology (NUST) graduation card scam, which was uncovered during the university’s 2025 ceremony.
The accused — Carol Tinotenda Makadzange (28), Ike Marcus Chinyuku (26), Rudo Joyce Kavande (27), and Mqondisi Mlilo (27) — were found guilty by the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court of possessing articles for criminal use.
Authorities said the group had been producing and selling counterfeit NUST graduation invitation cards to unsuspecting parents and guardians. Their scheme came to light on October 3, 2025, when suspicions were raised at the graduation venue.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the scam was exposed after an undercover officer purchased a fake card from Makadzange for US$10. Her cooperation later helped police trace her accomplices.
A search of their premises uncovered 197 forged cards, US$310, ZAR 700, and a desktop computer used to create the forgeries. Investigators said the findings proved the operation was organized and financially motivated.
Each of the four convicts was fined US$350, with a seven-month prison sentence imposed in default of payment. An additional three-month jail term was suspended for five years.
All confiscated property — including the counterfeit cards, cash, and computer — was forfeited to the State.
In a statement, the NPAZ warned that attempts to exploit academic ceremonies for profit would be met with firm legal action, stressing the need to uphold the integrity of educational institutions.
