Notorious Bulawayo sangoma busted for counterfeit currency scam
In a shocking exposé, a traditional healer from Bulawayo’s Cowdray Park suburb has found himself on the wrong side of the law after being caught red-handed with a substantial stash of fake currency.
Misheck Ncube, a 42-year-old self-proclaimed sangoma, recently appeared before the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court, facing charges of possession of articles for criminal use. The case stems from a police investigation that began on May 27th, 2024, when detectives received a tip-off about Ncube’s involvement in a counterfeit money scheme.
Acting on the intelligence, the police apprehended Ncube in the Tredgold area of Bulawayo on the same day. During the arrest, Ncube cooperated with the authorities and led them to his residence, where a subsequent search uncovered a plastic bag concealed beneath a pillow in his bedroom. Inside the bag, detectives discovered a haul of counterfeit notes amounting to a staggering USD14,870 and ZAR400.
In his defence, Ncube admitted to using the fake money in his traditional healing practice, where he would allegedly deceive victims into believing they could attain wealth through money rituals. The unsuspecting victims were required to make an initial payment of USD5,000 in some instances, only to be told that the rituals had failed due to their own mistakes, with Ncube refusing to refund their money.
The court heard that Ncube’s promise of wealth through his rituals was merely a ploy to exploit his victims, who would often come to him seeking help. When they realized that the promised riches had not materialized, Ncube would blame the victims and keep the ill-gotten gains for himself.
The magistrate sentenced Ncube to 6 months in prison, with 2 months suspended. Additionally, he was ordered to perform 140 hours of community service, and the confiscated counterfeit currency was forfeited to the state.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unscrupulous individuals who seek to prey on the vulnerable and desperate in pursuit of personal gain. The Zimbabwean authorities have vowed to continue their crackdown on such criminal activities, ensuring that the law is upheld and justice is served.
