Africa & Diaspora
Serial Fraudster on the Loose: Zimbabwean Man Dupes South African Woman in Mozambique Travel Scam
The iniAfrica.com Investigative Desk
A Zimbabwean national posing as a legitimate transport operator is at the center of a growing fraud scandal that has left South Africans out of pocket—and authorities largely silent.
Lawrence Tinashe Mupanomunda, who operates under Exclusive Shuttle Services and another entity known as Jozi Vibes Entertainment, has been implicated in what appears to be a deliberate pattern of fraud, targeting unsuspecting South Africans with the promise of affordable and reliable travel services.
One of his latest known victims is Ms. Delsie Maseko, a respected South African businesswoman and founder of Delsweet Woman Project, who had booked a group trip to Mozambique for April 29, 2025. Ms. Maseko made two payments totaling R19,500 into ABSA Bank accounts linked to Mupanomunda—one in June 2024 and another in October 2024. These payments were for transportation services that were never rendered.
Despite the clear agreement, Mupanomunda disappeared, leaving Ms. Maseko and a group of South African citizens stranded ahead of a well-planned and time-sensitive trip. In an effort to avoid complete disaster, Ms. Maseko had to personally fund a second transporter at the last minute—paying again for services she had already settled through Mupanomunda’s companies.
“This was more than a financial hit,” Ms. Maseko told iniAfrica.com. “It was a betrayal. I had to scramble to protect the dignity and trust of the people travelling with me. This man has no conscience.”
Multiple online reviews and reports indicate that Mupanomunda has allegedly repeated this scam with other clients, collecting upfront payments and failing to deliver on promised transport services. Victims claim he hides behind different business names—most notably Exclusive Shuttle Services and Jozi Vibes Entertainment—to mask his tracks.
In a formal letter dated April 29, 2025, iniAfrica.com reached out to Mr. Mupanomunda requesting:
- Confirmation of receipt of Ms. Maseko’s payments;
- An explanation for the non-delivery of services;
- A proposed resolution to the matter.
As of today, he has not responded.
His refusal to account for the allegations speaks volumes—and underlines the urgent need for intervention.
We call upon the South African Police Service (SAPS), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) to investigate and prosecute Mr. Mupanomunda for serial fraud and misrepresentation. Banks including ABSA and FNB must also be held accountable for allowing their platforms to be used in repeated fraudulent activities.
This is not an isolated case. It’s a pattern—and if authorities continue to look away, more citizens will fall victim.
If you or someone you know has been defrauded by Lawrence Tinashe Mupanomunda, contact us confidentially at tips.iniafrica@gmail.com.
The public deserves protection. The victims deserve justice. The authorities must act—now.
