Public Warning Renewed Over Zimbabwean-Malwaian Couple Ethan And Melody Moyo Following Investment Scam Complaints

The Johannesburg Times has renewed a warning to the public over financial dealings involving a married Zimbabwean-Malawian couple identifying themselves as Ethan Moyo and Melody Moyo following complaints concerning investment losses.

The warning is based on complaints and documentary material held by SurgeZirc SA, a sister publication of The Johannesburg Times, including messages, payment records and proof-of-payment documents obtained during efforts to assist complainants.

Multiple people have told SurgeZirc SA that they transferred money after being persuaded to participate in investment opportunities promising substantial financial returns.

Complainants say they subsequently struggled to recover their money and, in some instances, were blocked or ignored after payments had been made.

R200,000 Complaint Led To Repayment Arrangement

The allegations involving Ethan and Melody Moyo were first reported by SurgeZirc SA in February 2025 after a Canada-based complainant reported losing approximately R200,000.

SurgeZirc SA subsequently became involved in supervising the repayment of money to the complainant.

The repayment process later stalled in July 2026.

Since then, SurgeZirc SA has received multiple communications concerning promised payments that did not materialise.

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A man identifying himself as Charles Farai, who has communicated with SurgeZirc SA as a representative of the couple, repeatedly provided explanations and indicated that payments would be made and at times presented false payment slips.

Those promised payments were not received.

Communications reviewed by SurgeZirc SA also included claims that money intended for the complainant had been deposited into accounts but had failed to clear.

Other explanations referred to alleged salary payments and money associated with an organisation identified as Women in Leadership Zimbabwe.

Documents and communications presented as evidence relating to those funds were also supplied during the repayment process.

Charles Farai Sent Fake Proof-Of-Payment Documents

SurgeZirc SA's records show that Charles Farai also sent the publication proof-of-payment documents that were subsequently found to be fake.

In one instance, an Investec proof-of-payment document forwarded to SurgeZirc SA purported to show that a transfer had originated from a heavy-equipment vendor based in Roodepoort.

SurgeZirc SA independently contacted the company identified on the document to establish whether the purported payment was genuine and whether the individuals involved were affiliated with the business.

The company confirmed to SurgeZirc SA that the proof of payment was fake.

SurgeZirc SA is also in possession of other fake proof-of-payment documents sent by Farai during communications concerning the outstanding repayment, including documents carrying banking details and branding presented as evidence that payments had been made or were being processed.

The publication has retained the documents and the accompanying messages showing how and when they were received.

Repeated Payment Promises Failed To Materialise

The disputed documents form part of a broader series of communications received during attempts to recover the complainant's money.

Farai repeatedly communicated proposed payment arrangements and explanations for delays.

SurgeZirc SA was also told on different occasions that funds had been deposited but had failed to clear.

Despite those representations, the repayment process has remained stalled since July 2026.

The publication has retained the relevant messages, documents and payment records as part of its investigation.

Couple Promote Religious And Business Activities

Ethan and Melody Moyo present themselves online in connection with religious leadership, entrepreneurship and various business ventures.

Their public profiles promote wealth-building and business activities, including a venture that claims to teach people how to become millionaires.

Their social-media accounts also depict what appears to be a luxurious lifestyle and contain photographs showing the couple with several well-known personalities from Southern Africa.

The presence of other people in photographs does not establish that those individuals endorse or have any involvement in the couple's financial activities.

Public Urged To Independently Verify Payments

The Johannesburg Times and SurgeZirc SA are urging members of the public to independently verify financial claims and proof-of-payment documents before entering into transactions or investment arrangements with this couple and their representatives..

People should not rely solely on screenshots, PDF documents or messages presented as confirmation that money has been transferred.

Where substantial amounts are involved, payment should be independently confirmed through the relevant bank or verified directly with the business or individual purported to have made the transfer.

Anyone who believes they have lost money through potentially fraudulent activity should preserve bank statements, proof of payments, contracts, WhatsApp messages, emails, telephone numbers and other correspondence that could assist authorities.

Suspected criminal conduct should be reported to the South African Police Service.

Other Victims Urged To Come Forward

It remains unclear how many people may have entered into financial arrangements involving Ethan and Melody Moyo.

The Johannesburg Times and SurgeZirc SA are asking anyone who believes they has suffered financial losses or who possesses relevant documentation to come forward.

Information can be submitted through the publications' digital platforms.

Members of the public are also urged to independently verify claims involving businesses and organisations referred to on Ethan Moyo's public profiles, including Zueth Petroleum, Zueth International Group of Companies, African Billionaires Association Family, EM International School of Money and Marhaba Group of Companies.

The Johannesburg Times has not independently established the ownership or legal status of all these entities.

The publications will continue reviewing information and documentation received from complainants as the investigation develops.