FORMER top model, Mercy Mushaninga, who duped five models of a combined US$10 200 in a botched Dubai modelling event in 2022, and was ordered to pay back the money and perform 350 hours of unpaid community service has disrespected the other side of the bargain
Mushaninga (47), who is also founder of Zim Gossip Model Agency, was convicted of fraud after a full trial by Ms Yeukai Dzuda. Ms Dzuda had initially slapped Mushaninga with a 28 months’ jail term.
Six months were suspended on condition of good behaviour, another 12 months were suspended on condition she pays back the five models she duped their US$10 200 by December 21, and the remaining six months were suspended on condition she performs 350 hours of community service at Belvedere Vehicle Inspectorate Department.
In mitigation before sentence, Mushaninga told the court that she was a single parent of two children, aged 25 and 17, and that she also takes care of her late brother’s children. But in aggravation, Prosecutor Mr Bornface Musvaire asked for a stiff penalty, adding that it was the duty of the court to protect victims.
It has however emerged that Mushaninga is not paying back the money and is actually planning to do another event this year in Dubai.
One user wrote:
I am writing to bring to your urgent attention a matter of significant concern involving a former pageantry director who has allegedly refused to refund money to numerous participants and their families. This individual is now planning to organize another pageant, and we believe this poses a significant risk to the community, particularly the children involved.
2022, Mercy Mushaninga, the organizer of Little Miss Universe Zimbabwe collected substantial fees from participants, promising a professionally managed event with various benefits. Unfortunately, the pageant did not deliver on its promises, and despite repeated requests, many families have not received refunds. The financial and emotional toll on the affected families, especially the children, has been considerable.
In light of these events, it is deeply concerning that Mushaninga is now preparing to launch another pageant. We fear that more families might fall victim to similar practices. Therefore, we urgently seek your intervention to prevent further harm and ensure justice for the affected children and their families.
We respectfully request the following actions
.Suspend New Pageant Plans:
Temporarily halt any new pageant activities organized by Mercy Mushaninga until she complete and all outstanding balance from the previous event are resolved.
We believe that your prompt action will not only help in recovering the lost funds but also in preventing future occurrences of such fraudulent activities. The trust of the community in such events can only be restored through transparency, accountability, and strict enforcement of laws.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. We look forward to your swift and decisive action to safeguard our community’s interests.
