A 33-year-old Chitungwiza man has appeared in court after allegedly posing as a pastor with spiritual healing powers and defrauding a United Kingdom-based woman of US$25,900 through WhatsApp and EcoCash transfers.
Kelvin Nyamhika appeared before Harare magistrate Jacqueline Gara facing fraud charges. He pleaded guilty and was remanded in custody pending sentencing.
The complainant, Mildred Zvimbvatu, is based in the UK.
The State alleges that in 2023, Nyamhika, who was a friend of Zvimbvatu’s son, Tinashe, contacted her on WhatsApp. A friendship developed, during which she shared personal and family problems with him.
It is alleged that Nyamhika later claimed he could connect her with a pastor who could spiritually heal her daughter, who was battling cancer.
The court heard that he acquired another Econet line registered in the name of Exter Kambalame and assumed the identity of “Pastor Mugoriwe” from City of Truth church.
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Posing as the pastor, Nyamhika allegedly told Zvimbvatu that he had identified misfortunes affecting her family through “the realm of the Holy Spirit” and instructed her to send money for prayers.
Zvimbvatu allegedly sent various amounts through WorldRemit to Nyamhika’s EcoCash account, totalling US$15,900.
The State further alleges that Nyamhika later claimed he was connected to the UK Embassy and could assist Zvimbvatu with visa documentation for her daughter and grandchild.
He allegedly demanded US$10,000 for the service. Zvimbvatu sent US$6,250, while her aunt, Babra Mugandani, sent the remaining US$3,750.
After receiving the money, Nyamhika allegedly became evasive and blocked Zvimbvatu on social media.
She reported the matter to police.
Investigations led to a search and seizure warrant being served on Econet Wireless, which provided Nyamhika’s particulars and call history, leading to his identification and arrest.
The total alleged prejudice is US$25,900, with nothing recovered.
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