A Zimbabwean couple’s efforts to develop their homestead in preparation for relocating from the UK were severely undermined after they lost £2,900 in a sophisticated borehole drilling scam.
Key Storiey
-
Diaspora Couple Loses £2,900 to Borehole Scam: UK-based Zimbabweans, The Machinguras, fell victim to an online fraud while arranging water access for their new property, costing them £2,900.
-
Scammer Employed Evasive Tactics and Emotional Manipulation: The fraudsters used fake addresses, last-minute payment demands via EcoCash, and personal insults, even claiming the husband was involved in the con.
-
Focus Shifts to Quality UK-Standard Home Development: Despite the financial setback, the couple is proceeding with shipping quality fixtures like USB-enabled sockets and modern shower systems to ensure a “UK standard” home finish.
The Machinguras, who are documenting their relocation from the UK to Zimbabwe, were targeted by a scammer operating under the name “Zambesy Bhole Drilling,” which advertised on Facebook. The initial deception involved a quote for drilling a 40-meter borehole with “double casing,” for which they paid £2,300 in advance via a money transfer service. The red flags began when they arrived in Zimbabwe and were given a non-existent office address, which they discovered by noting the street numbers they were given exceeded the actual available numbers in the crescent. The scammer then repeatedly changed meeting locations and insisted on a stressful, last-minute payment of an additional £600 for a pump and solar via EcoCash at a Bon Marque counter, despite the couple’s inability to transact due to network issues. The fraud was confirmed when a school friend, a lawyer, advised them that advance payment for borehole drilling is highly irregular in Zimbabwe, and reputable companies only begin billing after the initial 40 meters have been successfully drilled.
The fraudsters employed extreme psychological tactics to maintain control and intimidate the victims. After the payment was made, the scammer went silent but later contacted the couple to hurl insults, even suggesting to the wife that the husband was secretly in on the con to defraud her. This incident highlights the vulnerability of the Zimbabwean Diaspora, who are often perceived by local criminals as “naive” targets willing to trust and pay for services sight unseen. The group was reportedly sophisticated, also advertising vehicles and successfully scamming other Zimbabweans living in Australia. The couple decided not to pursue a police report after being redirected and advised that they would need to pay for investigations to commence.
Moving past the incident, the couple remains committed to their goal of building a home in Zimbabwe. They have shifted their focus to shipping high-quality, UK-standard fixtures and fittings, including specialized shower systems, modern taps, and USB plug sockets. They noted their intention to build a house that meets their family’s needs rather than conforming to the local trend of building “ridiculous” houses with 15 or more bedrooms, emphasizing the importance of quality execution over sheer size. The Machinguras have engaged legitimate builders and plan to commence construction in the coming months, promising to meticulously document the next, legitimate borehole drilling process for their audience.
Conclusion
-
The Machinguras will be documenting their upcoming legitimate borehole drilling and home construction journey on their channel.
-
Viewers are encouraged to follow their progress, including a reveal of their final house plan.
-
Comment, share, and subscribe to their channel for future updates on their Zimbabwe relocation.
