Former Radio Host Sbu Buthelezi Accused of Scamming Again, Dodging R260k Loan Payback
Disgraced former Ukhozi FM presenter Sbu Buthelezi, known for his dishonest business dealings, is facing new allegations of deception and fraud. Naomi Msomi, a former employee from Mandeni, says she regretfully loaned Buthelezi R260,000 last year which he has failed to repay despite promises.
Msomi explained that when Buthelezi's controversial poultry investment firm Abombuso was freezing accounts owing millions to clients, he came to staff pleading for a loan to cover salaries. In desperate need of income, Msomi agreed to the substantial sum in October 2021 as a fellow worker seeking to help.
But in the months since, Buthelezi's behavior has allegedly changed. He no longer answers calls or messages, resorting to threats when Msomi demands her money back. She had intended to use the loan to start her own business, but those plans are now halted indefinitely. With no means to complete building her family home either, Msomi says she was misled about the "temporary" nature of Buthelezi's supposed financial woes.
"When I call him to demand that he pays me back my money, he threatens me. He said I was a nuisance and that I would never get my money back because I want to ruin his image. Now I can?t even complete building my family house. Everything is on standstill. I had informed him that the money that I loaned him was for me to be able to start my own business," she added.
This is not the first time serious concerns have been raised about Buthelezi's business practices and treatment of investors. Abombuso is estimated to still owe R30 million to stakeholders. While Msomi no longer cares about others' lost funds, she aims to warn people about Buthelezi's persisting scamming tendencies and failure to face accountability for breaches of trust. Her experiences show desperate circumstances can cause even former colleagues to fall prey to his misleading assurances.
Buthelezi declined multiple requests to respond to the new accusations. His evasiveness and threatening behavior have left Msomi kicking herself for believing in his excuses as reliance on that loan loan now leaves her future plans in dire jeopardy.
