Zimbabwe’s Tinder Swindler: Nurse Aid Graduate Poses As US-Based Medical Doctor To Scam Women Out Of Thousands

Zimbabwe Romance Scam: Nurse Aid Posed As US Medical Doctor

A nurse aid graduate from Harare has been accused of posing as a United States-based medical doctor in an elaborate online romance scam that has left multiple women heartbroken and out of thousands of dollars. Mathew Five allegedly used the popular dating app Tinder, a fake identity, and promises of marriage to defraud his victims.

The Web Of Deception Unravels

According to H-Metro, the man presented himself as Desmond Phiri, a doctor living in America. One disabled victim, who spoke to the publication, detailed how the relationship began with charm and ended with repeated requests for money. She described their meeting, stating:

“We met on Tinder, then in person when he said he was relocating to America and would often send pictures, live locations in the US, and he also said he had a farm.”

The situation changed when financial pleas began. The victim revealed the heartbreaking progression, saying:

“He started saying he was having problems which needed money, and at one time asked for money, saying his daughter was admitted to a hospital after a stroke. He introduced me to a so-called cousin, they would ask for money, telling me they had no groceries and so forth. He told me he was divorced and wants to marry me in February and would ask for my ID, saying he wants to book a court marriage date. I lost over a thousand dollars until he just went quiet.”

She alleged losing over US$1,000 (approx. R18,000). Another woman was reportedly promised a lavish weekend retreat in Zanzibar along with US$8,000 (approx. R144,000) in spending money.

Denials From The Accused And His Circle

When contacted for comment by H-Metro in January 2026, Mathew Five strongly denied the allegations. He claimed the stories were fabricated and linked to a single former acquaintance. He told the publication:

“I have made a payment plan to reimburse her money. Yes, I am married, and I am not in the country. Those women are telling lies. I asked them to remove those comments, it’s all lies. My lawyer will get back to you. Those uniforms were part of the nurse-aid programmes I was doing.”

His father, Mateyu Five, confirmed a woman had come to their Kuwadzana home looking for his son but offered no defence. An InDrive driver allegedly named as part of a syndicate also distanced himself, telling H-Metro he was merely an unpaid errand runner.

Victims Seek Justice And A Legal Pathway

Frustrated by their losses, several women have turned to social media to expose the alleged scammer. One Facebook comment in vernacular language expressed deep anguish:

“Uyu ka handina mate naye, haaa siyai henyu munofa, Dr Mathew, and ane mushonga unotobeliever. It took me seven years to forgive him; he ruined my life in the worst way. Mwari ka.” (This one, I have no words for him, please leave him, you will die, Dr Mathew, and he has a potion for stealing believers. It took me seven years to forgive him; he ruined my life in the worst way. My God.)

Legal expert Advocate Arthur Marara outlined the potential for civil action, explaining the legal weight of a marriage promise in Zimbabwe. He stated:

“This is a case of a Tinder Swindler and women out there have become desperate for marriage, then become victims of these conmen. A person can sue for damages if a partner breaks a promise to marry. In Zimbabwe, a promise of marriage is considered a binding civil contract, and its breach allows the jilted party to sue for damages.”

Victims are now considering presenting their cases to the civil courts. H-Metro reports the alleged operation may involve a network using international mobile numbers.