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

WATCH: 17-Year-Old from Zimre Park Tells His Side of the Story 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.

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.

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.

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 tell his side of the story: