£6,000 COS Scandal: Mirian Mahlangu Has Disappeared Before Paying Back The Money She Took
A recent troubling story relates to a UK jobseeker who narrates he was scammed of £6,000 in a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) deal that never materialized. At the center of the controversy is Mirian Mahlangu (Chogugudza), who allegedly handled key transactions while working for her mother’s company, Caring Hearts and Hands Ltd.
Despite her efforts to deflect responsibility, evidence suggests that Mahlangu-Chogugudza played a critical role in the failed deal, which has left the jobseeker struggling to recover their funds.
The Case at Hand
According to the jobseeker, they paid £6,000 to Caring Hearts and Hands Ltd, a company purportedly specializing in recruitment and sponsorship services for UK jobseekers. The money was meant to secure a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS), a crucial document for obtaining a work visa. However, months passed, and no COS was delivered.
The jobseeker alleges that Mirian Chogugudza assured them throughout the process that she was handling the matter personally. She conducted interviews, issued contracts, and confirmed receipt of the funds. However, when the deal fell apart, she distanced herself, claiming she was merely an employee of Caring Hearts and Hands Ltd and not the decision-maker.
A Family Affair
In a surprising twist, contracts issued by the company bore the signature of Mirriam’s brother, McDonald Chogugudza. This revelation has fueled suspicions that the business was a family-run operation, with roles and responsibilities intertwined among its members. While Mirian insists that the company was not hers, her direct involvement in critical operations undermines this defense.
Despite the company opening an official case and providing a case number for the investigation, Miriam’s role remains under intense scrutiny. Critics argue that her active participation in receiving funds and processing agreements makes her complicit in the missing COS saga.
Mirriam’s Defense
When approached for comment, Mirian offered a fragmented explanation, claiming she was merely a worker and not responsible for the company’s failures.
“The company was not mine to begin with. I was a worker, which the jobseeker was aware of,” she stated, adding that her introduction to the jobseeker came through a mutual connection. She emphasized that her involvement was limited to facilitating the transaction on behalf of the company.
However, Mirian’s statements contradict her actions. She admits to receiving the funds and managing key aspects of the transaction, making it difficult to absolve herself of responsibility. “Yes, I did [participate in the transaction],” she acknowledged, further complicating her defense.
The Jobseeker’s Plight
For the jobseeker, the ordeal has been devastating. “I trusted Mirriam because she presented herself as the person in charge. She processed everything, so naturally, I believed the COS would come through,” they said. With no COS and no refund, the jobseeker is now pursuing legal action to recover their money.
Legal and Ethical Implications
The case has highlighted the lack of accountability in some recruitment agencies operating in the UK. Certificates of Sponsorship are critical for jobseekers aiming to build a life abroad, and cases like this erode trust in the system.
If Mirian was an employee, her direct involvement in the transaction exposes her to potential liability. “When you handle funds and sign off on contracts, you are accountable, regardless of your title within the organization,” one expert explained.
Next Steps
Mirian is supposed to return the jobseeker’s funds, but as of now, no repayment has been made. The company, Caring Hearts and Hands Ltd, has not issued a public statement
beyond acknowledging the case. Mirian Chogugudza has disappeared before paying back the money she took from the jobseeker.
#cosscam. #cosfraud.
