Staff Reporter

A fraudulent travel agency, Young Explorers, fronted by 25-year-old Tinotenda Maxwell Nyatsanga, has allegedly swindled thousands of dollars from Methodist Church members in the Kuwadzana and Mufakose circuits.

The money was meant for a ladies' trip to Victoria Falls, scheduled for December 12-15, which never materialized.

Nyatsanga is now reportedly on the run.

Sources who spoke to this publication revealed that Nyatsanga connived with a certain senior member of the church to orchestrate the scam, leaving dozens of churchgoers stranded and out of pocket.

 It is suspected that Nyatsanga and a senior female member from the Mufakose circuit, whose name has been withheld, shared the money contributed by church members.

Some of the disappointed members, who chose to be anonymous, expressed their anger.

“We trusted this trip because it was endorsed by our church leaders. Now our money is gone, and we are left embarrassed and betrayed. How could someone within the church work with this man to deceive us?” said Rumbie.

Another member, Theresa, lamented the lack of accountability.

 “It’s heartbreaking. We saved for months for this trip, only to be swindled by people we thought we could trust. The leadership should have vetted this travel agent before endorsing Nyatsanga,” said Theresa.

Mrs. Dube was equally distraught.

 “This was supposed to be a spiritual retreat and a time for bonding. Instead, it has turned into a nightmare. We demand answers from the church leadership about their involvement with Nyatsanga,” added Mrs. Dube.

Young Explorers had promised transport, accommodation, and a variety of activities in Victoria Falls, collecting money from members in advance.

However, the trip never happened, and Nyatsanga disappeared, leaving members scrambling for explanations and refunds.

Efforts to reach Nyatsanga for comment have been unsuccessful, and his whereabouts remain unknown.

The Methodist Church leadership has not issued a formal statement on the matter.

However, the affected members have called for an investigation into the scam, urging the church to take immediate action against those implicated.

 Meanwhile, the Police have reportedly been alerted to the case, and investigations are ongoing.