Source: A land and investment ‘scam’ that crossed borders – herald
Raymond Jaravaza, ray.jaravaza@chronicle.co.zw
SCORES of Zimbabwean women based in the United Kingdom, Australia, France, South Africa, and other countries have accused Sithule Tshuma, the founder of Qoki Zindlovukazi, of swindling them out of millions of pounds.
Qoki Zindlovukazi is an investment vehicle involved in land projects, and the women allege they were defrauded in failed land and housing stand deals.
Formed to empower women and stimulate Bulawayo’s economic growth, Qoki Zindlovukazi attracted over 500 members, most of them in the diaspora, who pooled their resources to invest in various projects. At the centre of the dispute are housing stands in Douglasdale, Woodville, Burnside, Nyamandlovu, Esigodini, and land along the Joshua Mqabuko International Airport Road.
Several investors allege that Ms Tshuma purchased land using their funds at inflated prices and has failed to hand over title deeds, stalling the development of their dream retirement homes.
Sukoluhle Munduru, one of the complainants, said she lost US$54 160 across multiple projects.
“I contributed to a five-hectare plot along Airport Road, investing US$9 000 plus US$2 521 in other payments with group members. In Burnside, I paid US$10 000 for a 1 000m² stand, and in Reigate, US$17 500. I have no title deeds for any of the land — only empty promises from Sithule Tshuma,” she said.
Ms Yolanda Nyathi, another investor, said she discovered serious irregularities after contributing to the so-called Airport Project.
“We contributed US$1 080 000 towards the purchase of Rouxdale Farm along the Bulawayo–Nkayi Road, but later learnt it was actually bought for US$450 000. The title deeds had been doctored to reflect a higher price,” she alleged.
Ms Nyathi also claimed the purchase price of a butchery was inflated.
“The seller’s lawyers confirmed in writing that Qoki Butchery was sold for US$350 000, not the US$400 000 reported by Ms Tshuma. None of the properties we invested in are registered in our names — everything is under Ms
Tshuma and her co-directors’ private company,” she said.
Virginia Mutevere said she invested in housing stands, a fuel service station, a college in Esigodini, and a fresh produce market in Bulawayo.
“I spent US$8 138 in a land deal in Woodville and another US$9 461 at Nondweni plots, as well as US$21 063 in another land project along the Airport Road. I also put some money into what was called Qoki Mutual Bank in South Africa, but I was refunded my investment capital of US$2 500 in September last year. So far, I have not been able to develop any of the housing stands I invested in, and nothing is moving on the ground,” said Mutevere.
Contacted for comment, Tshuma dismissed the allegations, insisting all the land was legitimately purchased.“Anyone who understands the processes of buying virgin land knows it takes time, and there’s paperwork and documentation before any development can start. Initially, we expected eight months, but there have been delays,” she said.
She stated that those seeking refunds would have to wait until the land was resold.
“Refunds can only be processed once the land is sold. The land in Woodville, Burnside, Airport Road, Nyamandlovu, and Esigodini was bought legitimately, and proof is available. The problem is that some of the women are now so impatient to get their refunds that trying to tell them refunds can only be paid after the land is sold is almost impossible,” she said.
The founder of Qoki Zindlovukazi cited several court cases in the UK and Zimbabwe where the aggrieved women have lost.
“Just last month (July), I was cleared by UK police of any wrongdoing after I was accused of fraud and running a scam. For the record, not all the women want out — in fact, the majority still have trust in Qoki Zindlovukazi and want to see progress in the projects they invested in.”
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