A Jobseeker’s Nightmare: The Betrayal Costing £34,000
In a heart-wrenching account, a jobseeker in the UK shares the ongoing ordeal of losing £34,000 in a desperate attempt to secure employment for four individuals through promised Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) papers. What begins in November 2023 as a hopeful step toward a brighter future turns into a nightmare of unfulfilled promises, shifting blame, and financial devastation.
The jobseeker explains how Philani Noble, along with his associates, claims to provide COS papers to secure jobs. The process appears legitimate, with job interviews conducted by a woman named Catherine Musunga. After the interviews, Noble demands payment, marking the start of a spiraling nightmare.
The Payments
The victim details how the payments are made in good faith:
• £18,000 in cash: Collected by a man named Shepherd in London and delivered to an associate, Jeff, in Newcastle.
• £6,000 and £5,000: Deposited into Philani Noble’s personal accounts.
• The remainder: Transferred into Noble’s business account, Maximus Care Limited.
Despite these substantial payments, no COS papers are delivered. A year later, there is no movement, no resolution, and no return of the victim’s money.
The Aftermath
From January 2024, the victim begins tirelessly pursuing answers. After ZimEye later intervenes this month, Noble and his associates finally respond, but their explanations are riddled with contradictions.
One claim states, “This guy’s money, he paid £18,000. It was not given to me directly. It was paid to a guy in London called Shepherd Gono. This guy was refunded £12,000. I know that the balance is now £6,000.” Another asserts the money is forwarded to Shepherd Gono, and a payment plan is arranged to repay £18,000.
Shifting Blame and Broken Promises
The explanations continuously shift. Noble claims to be a middleman with no control over job placements and blames the victim for creating “misunderstandings” about refunds and balances owed. Meanwhile, the victim, in their efforts to seek justice, receives death threats and hostile messages.
“I don’t know why he is doing that… things are really bad,” Noble argues, attempting to justify the lack of progress and ongoing delays.
A Community Betrayed
This story highlights not just financial loss but the betrayal of trust and hope. The victim’s £34,000 represents a substantial investment and a heartfelt effort to improve the lives of others. Instead, they face broken promises, hostility, and ongoing uncertainty.
As the victim continues their fight for justice, they hope their story serves as a warning to others. Their courage in speaking out may prevent others from falling victim to similar schemes. Meanwhile, the case raises urgent questions about the need for tighter regulations to protect jobseekers from exploitation.
The victim remains determined to hold those responsible accountable and to recover the money lost, even as the emotional and financial scars of this experience linger.
THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES