More Trouble For Zimbabwean Scammer Vecco Lupa As South Africa Pushes For Botswana To Extradite Him

South Africa Seeks Extradition Of Zimbabwean Scammer Vecco Lupa From Botswana

Fresh legal trouble is mounting for alleged Zimbabwean scammer Evans Sivechere, known as Vecco Lupa. The South African Police Service (SAPS) is now pushing for his extradition from Botswana, where he is currently detained. This follows new fraud cases opened against him in South Africa, adding to the charges he faces in Gaborone.

Sivechere, a migration consultant, was arrested last month by the Botswana Police Service. He is accused of running an international jobs scam through his company, Diamond Migration. The company promised job placements and work permits for countries like Hungary and Ireland. Many victims paid large sums but received fake documents or discovered no applications were ever made.

Influencers Face Furious Backlash From Victims

Following his arrest, numerous victims in South Africa came forward. They allege that high-profile social media influencers played a crucial role in legitimising the scam. These influencers promoted Diamond Migration to their millions of followers. Victims say these endorsements made the scheme appear trustworthy.

The list of personalities includes Zimbabwean socialites like Tarisai “Madam Boss” Chikocho, the couple Tytie and Kiki, and the Nyathi family. Also implicated are Mama Vee, Motswana musician Vee Mampeezy, and South African socialite Sphalaphala Saga Marothi. These individuals appeared in marketing material or directly encouraged followers to use Diamond Migration’s services.

One victim, Yvonne, explained how the influencers’ promotions convinced her to part with nearly R50,000. She told IOL:

“I religiously follow The Musekaz, Madam Boss, and Mama Vee on Facebook. They were busy advertising Vecco Lupa and Diamond Migration on social media platforms. After seeing these endorsements, I then called Diamond Migration. In my mind, I was thinking these popular bloggers cannot advertise scammers publicly.”

After Sivechere’s arrest, several influencers issued apologies or silently deleted their promotional posts. Madam Boss stated she would implement stricter vetting. She said:

“Again, I deeply apologise and humbly ask for your understanding. I stand with the people affected.”

Victims Demand More Than Apologies

For many who lost money, these apologies are insufficient. They are calling for legal accountability for the influencers who promoted the scheme. The victims argue that the endorsements exploited the trust of vulnerable people seeking work abroad.

Another victim, Idah, expressed her frustration to IOL:

“Madam Boss can just write an apology and move on with her life, just like that. I have lost my future in this scam. Tytie and Kiki continue to share pictures of cars, lots of food and lavish lifestyle online, while my children’s future has been ruined.”

This is not the first controversy for some influencers involved. In October, Madam Boss testified in a court case regarding the E-Creator Ponzi scheme, which allegedly defrauded victims of over US$300,000 (over R5 million).

Extradition Talks Underway As Police Investigations Continue

In Gauteng, SAPS confirmed Sivechere is linked to three fraud cases opened at the Midrand police station. Provincial spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said:

“Police can confirm that the suspect is linked to three cases of fraud that were opened at Midrand police station. It is alleged that the suspect promised the victims jobs overseas. The suspect fled after asking the victims to pay a certain fee for administration and visa applications.”

Regarding Sivechere’s custody in Botswana, Masondo confirmed that extradition discussions have begun. He stated:

“The South African Police Service has made the police in Botswana aware that the suspect they arrested is also wanted in South Africa. Talks are ongoing to get the suspect back in South Africa to stand trial for cases reported in Midrand.”

Meanwhile, the Botswana Police Service says its investigation is ongoing, with more charges possible. In South Africa, some victims report difficulties in opening police cases related to the scam.