A so-called training institute has come under scrutiny after two of its employees allegedly swindled 32 students out of a total of US$1,920 under the pretense of offering courses in baking, catering, makeup, and hairdressing.
The suspects, Patricia Makutsi (19) and an individual identified only as Tatenda, were employed at Hello-Tech Institute, an establishment operating at the corner of Harare Street and Albion Street. However, the institution’s credibility is now in question, as it appears to have been running a fraudulent scheme rather than a legitimate training program.
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the case and urged the public to come forward with any information that could lead to the suspects’ arrest.
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“Police are investigating a fraud case involving two employees of a private institution,” said Insp. Chakanza.
The alleged scheme lured victims through social media advertisements that directed them to make payments at 121 Harare Street, promising them training programs for US$60 per month. However, when students arrived on the scheduled start date, they were met with a series of dubious excuses.
At first, the receptionist told them they had to wait for additional students from outside Harare. When February 4—the official start date—arrived, the students were informed that the necessary ingredients for training were not yet available. The materials never arrived, and the so-called trainers disappeared, leaving the victims without refunds or recourse.
With the suspects now on the run, authorities are investigating whether Hello-Tech Institute was ever a legitimate training facility or simply a front for defrauding unsuspecting students.
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