
In a plot twist fit for a sitcom, popular comedian Admire “Mama Vee” Mushambi took the stand at the Harare Magistrates’ Court, revealing he was duped of thousands into the E-Creator Ponzi scheme he once promoted. The platform, allegedly run by Chinese nationals Zhao Jiaotong and Billy Thomas Syedou, left over 670 Zimbabweans hemorrhaging US$364,000+.
Mushambi, known for memes, not money advice, appeared somber , “I advertised it. I invested. My family, friends , we all lost. The system crashed. Poof .” Magistrate Francis Mapfumo listened as he blamed a “faceless team” for the scam.
E-Creator promised “profits from thin air” via an e-commerce facade. Agents blitzed WhatsApp groups , victims sent cash via EcoCash. July 3: withdrawals froze. July 5: “Gone to China” goodbye email. Offices at Joina City? Abandoned.
Co-witness “Madam Boss” implicated Mama Vee, leading to a warrant for his arrest (he skipped court). Authorities warn , “Clowning around with scams = jail time.”
Jiaotong and Syedou face prison or restitution. “Quick riches lure, but fraud has teeth,” said a prosecutor.
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