HARARE – Deputy Defence Minister Levi Mayihlome, 71, was defrauded of $850 after falling prey to a get-rich-quick scam online, ZimLive has learned.
The retired brigadier general was lured by a Facebook ad from an individual posing as his socialite friend, Zodwa Mkandla, who promised substantial profits through “online cash trading.” Trusting the familiar name, Mayihlome believed the ad was legitimate.
Initially, he invested $200, hoping for a 25-fold return. He transferred the money to a mobile number, 0776096070, linked to one Gilbert Makombe, at an Innbucks outlet in Borrowdale. Shortly after, Mayihlome was informed he had earned a profit of $5,300 and was told he needed to deposit an additional $650 to withdraw the funds.
Believing the opportunity was genuine, Mayihlome made additional payments of $500 and $150 to another mobile number, 0777684129, registered to Austine Tafirei. However, suspicions arose when the scammers requested a further $365 payment for “inland tax revenue.”
Realizing he had been deceived, Mayihlome reported the incident to the police. The investigation is currently being led by Avondale police.