‘Madam Boss’ Taken To Court Over Ponzi Fraud Charged E-CreatorHARARE – 16 July 2025 — In a dramatic twist that has rocked Zimbabwe’s influencer scene, socialite and award-winning actress Cleopatra Tarisai Munetsiva, popularly known as Madam Boss, is set to be summoned to testify in the high-stakes trial of E-Creator Ponzi scheme directors, accused of defrauding citizens of over US$364,000.
The Harare Magistrates Court yesterday opened the long-awaited trial of Jao Zhao Jiatong and William Chui, both of whom are facing fraud charges for allegedly running a fraudulent pyramid scheme disguised as a lucrative e-commerce and cryptocurrency investment platform.
Travel guide
While Jao and Chui have both pleaded not guilty, the prosecution has listed Madam Boss, alongside fellow socialite Admire “Mama Vee” Mushambi, as key witnesses in the unfolding scandal — raising serious questions about the role of celebrity endorsements in legitimizing criminal syndicates.
Alleged Fraud Scheme Unpacked
According to State Prosecutor Loveti Muringwa, the accused launched E-Creator Electronic Commerce (Pvt) Ltd in early 2023, luring thousands of Zimbabweans into depositing money via EcoCash under the false promise of high investment returns through a supposed digital commerce and cryptocurrency operation.
Prosecutors allege:
• Over US$250,000 was processed via an EcoCash agent linked to Blessing Julias.
• Jao Zhao Jiatong, a Chinese national, and Billy, a local accomplice, were the masterminds.
• They exploited the digital currency hype, converting deposits into cryptocurrency while knowing the platform was fraudulent.
Jao and Chui: “We’re Innocent”
