By Farai D Hove | ZimEye | Manchester, UK – Sithule Tshuma, a UK-based businesswoman and prominent figure in politician Sengezo Tshabangu’s party, was arrested at Manchester Airport by Greater Manchester Police. She is facing over 30 charges, with further details expected to be disclosed soon.
Tshuma, who is also a nurse, has garnered attention in recent years for her involvement in a multi-million pound investment program that she ran in collaboration with Tshabangu and Jimmy Chasafara, the official publicist for Welshman Ncube. This program aimed to empower investors and uplift the economically disadvantaged Matebeleland region in Zimbabwe but has been tainted by allegations of fraud and money laundering.
In a state media news bulletin last year, Tshuma claimed that she and her associates had raised over £20 million from investors through the Qoki Zindlovukazi property investment scheme. However, the scheme faced scrutiny from financial institutions in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the UK, with British courts ruling against it due to concerns over its legitimacy.
Multiple banks, including those in the UK, halted transactions linked to the program amid suspicions of money laundering, prompting investigations in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Sengezo Tshabangu and Welshman Ncube, leaders of a splinter faction in Zimbabwe’s opposition, have been accused of collaborating with the ruling ZANU PF government. Their faction recently made headlines for orchestrating the removal of MPs loyal to opposition leader Nelson Chamisa from parliament, a move condemned by international bodies, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Despite the ongoing controversies, Tshuma remained active in the investment program until her arrest. The Qoki Zindlovukazi scheme promised substantial returns, yet by May 2023, many investors reported that they had not seen any returns, leading some to sue and label the initiative a pyramid scam.
A recent ruling from Manchester Crown Court upheld allegations from one investor’s legal team, which described how Tshuma and her associates allegedly misled investors with promises of economic empowerment while siphoning off funds for personal gain.
Currently, Tshuma is being held in the UK under strict bail conditions, including a prohibition on leaving the country. Greater Manchester Police are expected to release more details about the charges in the coming days.
There is no indication that her arrest is connected to the prior allegations, court rulings, or statements from various banks.