Fake Pastor Scams UK Woman Out Of US$25,900 After Claiming To Have Spiritual Powers To Heal Cancer
A Chitungwiza man exploited a mother’s desperation over her daughter’s cancer by posing as a pastor and demanding money for non-existent spiritual interventions.
Kelvin Nyamhika, 33, is accused of taking US$15,900 from UK-based Mildred Zvimbvatu through claims that prayers could address problems affecting her family.
He later escalated the deception by promising to arrange UK visa documentation for Zvimbvatu’s daughter and grandchild.
According to H-Metro, the second scheme brought in another US$10,000, taking the total amount involved to US$25,900.
Also Read: Harare Man Scams Girlfriend out of US$500 by Impersonating a Pastor
Cancer battle allegedly exploited
The fraud was built around information Nyamhika had obtained through his friendship with Zvimbvatu.
According to the State, Nyamhika had become acquainted with her through her son, Tinashe, in 2023.
After Zvimbvatu relocated to the UK, they remained in contact.
The court heard that she eventually shared details about her personal and family challenges with Nyamhika.
He seized on the information about her daughter’s battle with cancer and claimed he could connect her with a pastor who had spiritual powers to help.
Nyamhika presented himself as that pastor.
He used a separate Econet number registered in Exter Kambalame’s name and adopted the identity of Pastor Mugoriwe from a church called City of Truth.
‘Realm of the Holy Spirit’ claims
Using the assumed identity, Nyamhika allegedly told Zvimbvatu that he had identified misfortunes surrounding her family through the “realm of the Holy Spirit”.
He then convinced her that money was required for prayers.
Believing the claims, Zvimbvatu sent several payments to an EcoCash account controlled by Nyamhika through WorldRemit.
The transfers eventually amounted to US$15,900.
However, the demands for money did not end there.
Visa promise brought in more money
Nyamhika switched from spiritual claims to immigration assistance.
He reportedly told Zvimbvatu that he had links to the UK Embassy and could facilitate visa documentation for her daughter and grandchild.
He demanded US$10,000 for the service.
Zvimbvatu sent US$6,250 through WorldRemit, while her aunt, Babra Mugandani, transferred the remaining US$3,750 from the United States.
After receiving the money, Nyamhika became unreachable.
He reportedly blocked Zvimbvatu on social media, leaving her unable to contact him.
She later concluded that she had been deceived and reported the matter to the police.
Mobile records expose suspect
Investigators eventually traced the mobile number used in the scheme.
Police obtained a search and seizure warrant and approached Econet Wireless for information linked to the number.
The telecommunications company provided the suspect’s particulars and call history.
The information enabled investigators to link the number to Nyamhika.
The US$25,900 obtained from Zvimbvatu had not been recovered.
Nyamhika admits fraud in court
Nyamhika appeared before Harare magistrate Jacqueline Gara yesterday and pleaded guilty to the fraud charges.
Prosecutor Kanchelskis Ropi represented the State.
The magistrate remanded Nyamhika in custody pending sentencing.
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