CUT Student Appears in Court Over Alleged US$20,600 WhatsApp Investment Scam

By Staff Reporter
A 24-year-old student from Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) has appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court after being accused of orchestrating a fraudulent online investment scheme that allegedly defrauded unsuspecting investors of US$20,600.

According to prosecutors, Tanaka Kelly Miller and an alleged accomplice launched the scheme in September 2024 by creating a WhatsApp group named CMD Fashions, which they allegedly presented as a legitimate clothing business.

Investors Promised High Returns

The State alleges that members of the public were lured into investing after being promised returns of between 40 and 70 percent within a short period.

Victims were reportedly instructed to deposit money into retail shop accounts located in Harare's central business district, believing their funds would be invested on their behalf. Instead, prosecutors allege the money was collected by Miller before being handed over to cashiers connected to the operation, who are also facing separate criminal proceedings.

Police say the alleged scam resulted in a combined loss of US$20,600, with none of the stolen funds having been recovered.

CID Detectives Launch Investigation

The alleged investment fraud came to light after detectives from the CID Commercial Crimes Division received information about the suspected scheme. Following investigations, police traced the operation and arrested Miller on July 4.

Granted Bail

Miller, who resides in Rusununguko, Chinhoyi, appeared in court facing fraud charges. She was granted bail of US$100 on condition that she does not interfere with State witnesses or ongoing investigations. She was also ordered to continue residing at her stated address while awaiting further court proceedings.

The matter remains before the courts, and Miller is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.