WATCH: 17-Year-Old from Zimre Park Tells His Side of the Story After Scamming Peers

WATCH: Zimre Park Teen Tells His Side of the Story After Scamming Peers

A 17-year-old from Zimre Park in Ruwa, who recently made headlines for defrauding his peers by posing as a Junior Parliament member, has shared his side of the story.

Also read: 17-Year-Old Zimbabwean Boy Tricks High School Students, Steals Thousands with Fake SADC Program

Allegations and Arrest

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe reported that the teenager orchestrated the scam last month, exploiting his peers’ ambitions. He pretended to be a member of the Junior Parliament to gain their trust.

He allegedly convinced several students to pay $562 each for registration and uniforms and an additional $550 for a camping trip to Domboshava Resort. After collecting a total of $2,640 from the students, the teenager became evasive, prompting the victims to report him to the police. When he was arrested, none of the funds had been recovered.

Despite the seriousness of his actions, the teenager was released into his guardian’s custody and is due back in court on September 5, 2024.

Also read: “Just Another Catch and Release”: Zimbabweans Slam Legal System as Justice Mayor Wadyajena Regains Seized Luxury Vehicles

Zimre Park Teen Tells His Side of the Story

In a video shared by the entertainment and news blog Zimcelebs on Instagram, the 17-year-old explained his side of the story. When asked about the money he scammed from the students, he claimed it was stolen from him.

“Mari yevanhu yakatorwa ma’am. Ndakatorerwa mari. Handipfeki matrouse,” he said.

When questioned about how he managed to deceive his peers and take their parents’ hard-earned money, the teenager explained that he had started an association and didn’t realize his actions were illegal.

“Ndakatanga association. Ndaizvitora ndiri President we Junior Motivators SADC Association. It’s not registered. Ndakaba ndisingazivi. Hapana chitsotsi because, honestly ma’am ndakaba mari ndisingazivi,” he explained.

Also read: “Our Future Wicknell Chivayo”: Social Media Erupts as 17-Year-Old Teen is Dragged to Court After Scamming Fellow Students with Fake SADC Program

Proposed Compensation to Victims

When asked how he plans to repay the stolen funds, the teenager suggested a form of compensation.

“Ndirikukombanseta. Ma’am tinokwanisa kuvapa stand. Ndosaka ndakumbira kuti titaure nevabereki vangu vakwanise kukombanseta. If it’s possible ndiokumbira kuti vabereki vaite out of court order. Tinosainirana affidavit,” he pleaded.

You can view the video of the 17-year-old from Zimre Park telling his side of the story: