Tanaka Kelly Miller, a 24-year-old Chinhoyi resident, student at Chinhoyi University of Technology and company director, has appeared in court facing fraud charges after allegedly luring more than 40 people into a WhatsApp-based investment scheme that promised high returns within 35 days.
The alleged scam left investors out of pocket by more than US$20,000.
Miller is also listed as a co-director of Consecration Mega Deals (Pvt) Ltd.
The State alleges that in September 2024, Miller and her alleged accomplice, who is also a director of Consecration Mega Deals (Pvt) Ltd, created a WhatsApp group called "CMD Fashions."
The group was presented as a clothing business seeking investors.
Court papers show that the group's administrator, Consecration Mapuranga, who remains at large, posted a message in Shona inviting members to invest.
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The message promised that deposits would be repaid after 35 days with interest, supported by an affidavit and receipt.
It advertised returns including a 40% profit on a US$250 investment, a 50% profit on US$500, a 60% profit on US$1,000 and a 70% profit on US$2,000.
Prospective investors were allegedly directed to deposit their money at the company's shops at No. 86 Rezende Street, the corner of Rezende Street and Jason Moyo Avenue, Centric Mall Shops 9, 10 and 14, and Crossover Mall Shop G1 at the corner of Robert Mugabe Road and Julius Nyerere Way.
Prosecutors allege that Miller, in her capacity as a director, participated in the scheme. The complainants, led by Evernice Tatenda Magara and 40 others, were allegedly persuaded to hand over cash to cashiers linked to the company.
The cashiers are already on remand in connection with the same matter.
Detectives from the CID Commercial Crimes Division (Northern Region) allegedly infiltrated the WhatsApp groups, gathered evidence and traced Miller's movements.
She was arrested on July 2, 2026.
The complainants allegedly lost a combined total of US$20,600, although investigators say the amount could increase as more victims come forward. Nothing has been recovered.
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