Four people have been convicted by the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court for forging and selling counterfeit National University of Science and Technology (NUST) graduation invitation cards.
The group, Carol Tinotenda Makadzange (28), Ike Marcus Chinyuku (26), Rudo Joyce Kavande (27), and Mqondisi Milo (27), were arrested at NUST on 3 October 2025 after being caught selling the fake cards to unsuspecting parents and guardians ahead of the university’s graduation ceremony.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the four were charged with possession of articles for criminal use after they conspired to print and sell fake invitation cards for profit.
An undercover police officer bought one of the counterfeit cards from Makadzange for US$10, leading to the arrest of the group.
Police later recovered 197 fake cards, US$310, ZAR700, and a desktop computer used in printing the fraudulent documents.
The court found all four guilty and fined them US$350 each, or seven months in prison if they fail to pay.
An additional three-month sentence was suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.
All recovered items, the fake cards, money, and computer, were forfeited to the State.
The NPA said the conviction sends a strong message that academic institutions and public events must be protected from fraudsters who exploit public excitement for personal gain.
