Popular Zimbabwean socialites Madam Boss and Mama Vee have reportedly been named as key witnesses in the ongoing fraud trial involving E-Creator Electronics (Private) Limited, a company accused of orchestrating a large-scale investment scam that left hundreds of Zimbabweans out of pocket.
According to court documents, E-Creator allegedly used social media advertisements, including promotions on well-known socialites’ Facebook pages, to lure unsuspecting victims into what is now believed to be a fraudulent investment scheme.
A total of 670 complainants have come forward, claiming to have remitted over $364,647.30 to E-Creator through various Econet EcoCash accounts. The funds were invested under the belief that the company offered a legitimate and profitable opportunity.
On July 3, 2023, investors began reporting difficulties accessing their funds. When they sought clarification, they were assured by the company that a system upgrade was causing the delays. However, just two days later, E-Creator shocked clients by announcing on its website that it had ceased operations. The company further stated that one of its executives, Jiatong Zhao, had fled the country with investors’ money.
Zhao has since appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded not guilty to the fraud charges. Through his lawyer Moffat Makuvatsine, Zhao claimed he was unaware of the alleged scheme and did not communicate with any of the victims due to his limited proficiency in English.
He denied involvement in forming or running the company, claiming he never received any money from the operations and was surprised by his arrest. Zhao further stated that police found no incriminating evidence on his devices or personal effects.
Magistrate Francis Mapfumo has postponed the trial to July 17 for continuation.
The involvement of Madam Boss and Mama Vee as witnesses adds a new dimension to the case, with investigators likely to focus on how social media influence may have played a role in legitimizing the scam in the eyes of the public.
