A Harare judge freed gospel star Dorcas Vambe from fraud charges that claimed she misused President Mnangagwa's name. Magistrate Tapiwa Banda released her but said prosecutors could still summon her later. Vambe goes by Mai Dhuterere on stage. She paid $100 bail after police arrested her last December.
The case started when Vambe allegedly told former Zanu PF candidate Chrispen Magaya she could help import vehicles without taxes. She claimed President Mnangagwa gave her this benefit because he liked her music. Prosecutors say she learned Magaya wanted to buy a Toyota Hilux GD6 for $16,000 last September.
She worked with her brother Kudakwashe to promise Magaya two trucks instead of one for his money. He gave her cash, which she confirmed receiving through signed papers. She promised delivery within two weeks, but never brought the trucks. The court heard they spent their money themselves.
Vambe later gave Magaya a Ford Ranger with temporary plates not registered in Zimbabwe. They agreed he would take this truck with a promised Mercedes-Benz C200 as a replacement for the original deal. Magaya used the Ford, but police seized it for expired permits. He reported Vambe after losing both his money and his vehicle.
The case started when Vambe allegedly told former Zanu PF candidate Chrispen Magaya she could help import vehicles without taxes. She claimed President Mnangagwa gave her this benefit because he liked her music. Prosecutors say she learned Magaya wanted to buy a Toyota Hilux GD6 for $16,000 last September.
She worked with her brother Kudakwashe to promise Magaya two trucks instead of one for his money. He gave her cash, which she confirmed receiving through signed papers. She promised delivery within two weeks, but never brought the trucks. The court heard they spent their money themselves.
Vambe later gave Magaya a Ford Ranger with temporary plates not registered in Zimbabwe. They agreed he would take this truck with a promised Mercedes-Benz C200 as a replacement for the original deal. Magaya used the Ford, but police seized it for expired permits. He reported Vambe after losing both his money and his vehicle.
