Zimbabwean Diasporans Allege Millions Lost In Failed Land Deals Back Home

Sithule Tshuma, founder of Qoki Zindlovukazi, is accused of defrauding numerous Zimbabwean diasporans out of millions of pounds.

Qoki Zindlovukazi, an investment vehicle focused on land projects in Bulawayo, has attracted over 500 members, primarily from the United Kingdom, Australia, France, South Africa, and other countries, who pooled their resources to invest in various developments.

At the centre of the dispute are housing stands in Douglasdale, Woodville, Burnside, Nyamandlovu, Esigodini, and plots along the Joshua Mqabuko International Airport Road.

Several investors claim that Tshuma purchased land using their funds at inflated prices and has since failed to transfer title deeds, stalling progress on their intended retirement homes.

Speaking to the Chronicle, complainant Sukoluhle Munduru alleged she lost US$54,160 across multiple projects. Said Munduru:

“I contributed to a five-hectare plot along Airport Road, investing US$9 000 plus US$2 521 in other payments with group members.

“In Burnside, I paid US$10 000 for a 1 000m² stand, and in Reigate, US$17 500.

“I have no title deeds for any of the land — only empty promises from Sithule Tshuma.”

Yolanda Nyathi, another investor, revealed that she uncovered serious irregularities after investing in the so-called Airport Project. She said:

“We contributed US$1 080 000 towards the purchase of Rouxdale Farm along the Bulawayo–Nkayi Road, but later learnt it was actually bought for US$450 000. The title deeds had been doctored to reflect a higher price.

“The seller’s lawyers confirmed in writing that Qoki Butchery was sold for US$350 000, not the US$400 000 reported by Ms Tshuma.

“None of the properties we invested in are registered in our names — everything is under Ms Tshuma and her co-directors’ private company.”

Virginia Mutevere claimed she invested in housing stands, a fuel service station, a college in Esigodini, and a fresh produce market in Bulawayo. Mutevere said:

“I spent US$8 138 in a land deal in Woodville and another US$9 461 at Nondweni plots, as well as US$21 063 in another land project along the Airport Road.

“I also put some money into what was called Qoki Mutual Bank in South Africa, but I was refunded my investment capital of US$2 500 in September last year.

“So far, I have not been able to develop any of the housing stands I invested in, and nothing is moving on the ground.”

When the Chronicle reached out for comment, Tshuma brushed off the allegations, saying all the land was bought legally. She said:

“Anyone who understands the processes of buying virgin land knows it takes time, and there’s paperwork and documentation before any development can start.

“Initially, we expected eight months, but there have been delays.”

She said anyone wanting a refund would have to wait until the land gets resold. Said Tshuma:

“Refunds can only be processed once the land is sold. The land in Woodville, Burnside, Airport Road, Nyamandlovu, and Esigodini was bought legitimately, and proof is available.

“The problem is that some of the women are now so impatient to get their refunds that trying to tell them refunds can only be paid after the land is sold is almost impossible.”

Tshuma claimed she was cleared of any wrongdoing by UK police in July following allegations of fraud and running a scam. She added:

“For the record, not all the women want out — in fact, the majority still have trust in Qoki Zindlovukazi and want to see progress in the projects they invested in.”

More: Chronicle