When Kuda Musasiwa, a popular social commentator, first uncovered the shocking story of a Zimbabwean man scammed in the diaspora, it felt like the plot of a twisted movie. But as the details unravelled, the tale revealed the dark reality facing many Zimbabwean men abroad: they are being preyed upon in a calculated scheme designed to bleed them dry emotionally, mentally, and financially.
Dubbed the “Zimbabwean Pig Butchering Scam” (ZPBS), this elaborate con is a dangerous web of seduction, deceit, and manipulation targeting unsuspecting men during their visits back home. The blueprint is simple but devastating: a chance encounter with a woman, a whirlwind romance, and a one-night stand followed by a chilling revelation—“I’m pregnant.”
The Anatomy of the Scam
The scam starts innocently enough. A woman carefully picks her target, usually a Zimbabwean man living abroad who comes home to reconnect with family and culture. With sweet words and a mix of charm and vulnerability, she positions herself as the perfect woman. The goal is clear—to spark infatuation and ultimately make the man lower his guard.
Once the man returns to the diaspora, the real game begins. Out of nowhere, the woman drops the bombshell: she’s pregnant.
The man, perhaps flattered by the prospect of becoming a father, immediately takes on the financial burden of “supporting” his unborn child.
What follows is a meticulously orchestrated script:
1. “I’m pregnant” – The hook is set. The man is now emotionally invested.
2. “My phone battery is dead; I need a new one” – A seemingly innocent request for a new phone to maintain communication.
3. “I’m struggling with pregnancy complications”– The stakes are raised, and urgent financial help is requested for “medical bills.”
4. “I need a car to get to the hospital”– The demands escalate; by now, the man is too deep to question the story’s authenticity.
5. Fake scans and gynaecologist bookings – These are carefully curated to look authentic but are downloaded from Pinterest or Google.
6. “Let’s get married”– Sometimes, the con culminates in an elaborate sham marriage, complete with fake relatives, paid actors, and a convincing charade.
When the scam finally unravels, the damage is done. Thousands of dollars are lost through Mukuru transfers, countless hours of emotional turmoil have passed, and often, the man’s relationships and mental health lie in ruins.
Victim Stories
One recent case shared by Musasiwa highlights the devastation these scams cause. A diasporan man, eagerly preparing for the arrival of his “baby boy,” discovered through a reverse image search that the ultrasound scans he had been sent were stock images lifted from the internet. By then, he had made 29 Mukuru transactions since June of the previous year. The total loss? Thousands of dollars.
To make matters worse, this particular scammer had entrapped over 15 other men. Some were even married, and she used blackmail tactics—threatening to expose their infidelity on social media unless they sent more money.
“She used honey and vinegar,” Musasiwa explained. “Seduction to lure them in and threats to keep them hooked.”
The Broader Picture
The ZPBS isn’t just an isolated scam; it’s an organized operation. Reports suggest that women involved in these schemes communicate in WhatsApp groups, sharing strategies and resources to refine their approach. It’s a well-oiled machine targeting vulnerable men blinded by nostalgia, loneliness, or ego.
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For diasporan men, the scam plays into a deep-seated need to reconnect with home and a longing for love in a foreign land. But instead of finding companionship, they are left with crippling debt, shame, and, in extreme cases, depression.
A Word of Warning
If you’re a Zimbabwean man in the diaspora, heed this cautionary tale. Your British accent, your perceived wealth, and your vulnerability make you a prime target.
The next time someone professes their undying love or sends you an “urgent” message about complications with their pregnancy, pause. Investigate. Protect yourself.
Kuda Musasiwa’s final plea to men: “You are not Brad Pitt. They want your money and will take it all if you let them.”
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