Over a decade ago, Taurai Amani, a 71-year-old resident of
Dulivhadzimu in Beitbridge, lost part of his house during Operation Restore
Order (Murambatsvina).
Left with just two rooms, he dreamt of a bigger home for
his children and grandchildren.
In 2019, his dream seemed to come true when his son
received a message claiming he had won £1 million from an online competition in
the United Kingdom. Unbeknownst to them, it was a scam.
Amani’s son was asked to deposit $2,000 through Western
Union to claim his prize.
Desperate and excited, Amani borrowed the money and sent
his son to make the payment.
Trouble began when the scammers demanded an additional
$1,000.
Suspecting foul play, Amani sought help from the police,
only to realise that he had been conned.
The $2,000 borrowed was never repaid, and as he had used
his house as collateral, it was seized by the lender.
The Herald reported that last week, the Amani family was
evicted from their home based on a court order.
Their dire situation has rallied the community to help.
Boyd Maphosa, a neighbour, expressed their determination to
raise the necessary funds, stating, “Our plan is to raise the money within the
shortest possible time so that we pay back Mr. Golden (landlord).”
Amani, now distraught, expressed his regrets, saying, “I
felt the gods had answered my prayers of owning a bigger house for my family.”
He also urged caution when dealing with online messages.
Alaska Mafuka, a para-legal consultant, advised people to
seek legal assistance when entering into agreements and emphasized the
importance of due diligence. IOL
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