Zimbabwean socialite and actress Madam Boss has issued a public apology for endorsing alleged migration scammer Evans Sivechere.
Reports claiming that several content creators including Madam Boss helped promote Sivechere’s services.
On Tuesday, Botswana authorities remanded the 29-year-old Zimbabwean in custody after he appeared before the Village Magistrates’ Court in Gaborone accused of running an international job-seekers scam.
He allegedly posed as an immigration consultant and charged people for fake work and residence permits.
Madam boss issues an apology
The socialite admitted that she endorsed Sivechere, a director of Diamond Migration (Pty) Ltd. However, in her statement, she said she feels sorry to anyone who may have been affected by the scam.
” After further investigation, it has come to my attention that the company in question was not legally registered, not accredited and did not possess the official authority to facilitate immigration or overseas employment,” she said.
” I was also misled, and I deeply regret associating my name with their services.”
How the migration scammer got arrested
Police arrested Evans Sivechere, a director of Diamond Migration (Pty) Ltd, on Sunday at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport following what Botswana authorities described as “intensive investigations.”
Sivechere is facing 11 counts of fraud.
According to police, he and his company allegedly defrauded 11 people of more than P240 000 between October last year and October this year.
Victims paid for fake overseas migration promises
Prosecutors say Sivechere misled victims into believing it was processing overseas job placements and work permits for them.
The applicants reportedly submitted all required documents and paid various fees, but later realised no jobs existed.
The scam reportedly offered supposed employment in Ireland, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Finland, Poland, and Greece
Authorities caution against fake employment schemes
The Botswana Police Service has urged the public to be cautious when dealing with employment or recruitment agencies.
They advised people to verify the agencies’ legitimacy before making any payments.
Investigators say more charges could be added as the probe continues.
Sivechere is due back in court on 2 December.
