HARARE – A former model convicted of swindling five young models of US$10,200 after promising to take them to Dubai was spared jail on Tuesday as a magistrate ordered her to compensate the victims.
Harare magistrate Yeukai Dzuda said a custodial sentence would constrain Mercy Mushaninga’s ability to pay back the money.
The 47-year-old former Miss Princess Zimbabwe must perform 350 hours of community service after her 28-month prison sentence was conditionally suspended.
Six months were suspended on condition that she does not commit a similar offence within five years and 12 months on condition that she restitutes the five young women. The community service at Belvedere VID is in place of the remaining 10 months.
Dzuda said Mushaninga had showed remorse by tendering a letter of apology to the victims.
“The complainants suffered a financial loss and sentencing her to a custodial sentence will render it difficult to restitute the money. Taking into consideration the mitigation and aggravation, the court sees that she deserves another chance,” said the magistrate.
Mushaninga’s trial heard that she promised five models a dream trip to Dubai where they were to take part in the 6th edition of Miss Universe VIP World and the 16th Little Miss Universe Beauty pageant held from October 25 to 30 last year.
Mushaninga told the models that the money would pay for their air tickets, visa fees and accommodation.
On the appointed date, the models turned up at the airport following Mushaninga’s instructions but the airline they were allegedly booked with said no tickets had been bought.
Following her conviction Mushaninga said it was not her intention to dupe the young models.
“There were some unfortunate circumstances which were not planned for. This incident also damaged my reputation,” she said. “I would like to apologise to the models. I’m asking for leniency.”
