Four individuals were convicted and fined by the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court after being caught 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 recently just ahead of the University’s graduation ceremony.

They were caught in the act of selling the fraudulent cards to parents and guardians hoping to attend the event.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that the four were charged with possession of articles for criminal use after conspiring to print and sell the fake invitation cards for personal profit.

Their operation was busted when an undercover police officer successfully purchased one of the counterfeit cards from Makadzange for US$10. Following the arrest, police recovered a substantial haul of evidence, including 197 fake cards, US$310, ZAR700, and a desktop computer used to print the fraudulent documents.

The court found all four guilty and imposed a fine of US$350 each.

Failure to pay the fine will result in a seven-month prison sentence.

In addition to the fine, a three-month custodial sentence was suspended for five years on the condition of good behaviour. The recovered items, were forfeited to the State.