Ex-Studio 263 actor seeks discharge

Former Studio 263 actor, Tafadzwa Gregory Hillary Tandi, who is accused of fleecing a couple of $23 500, yesterday lodged another application for discharge.

Tandi argued that the State has failed to prove a prima facie case against him.

He claims the witnesses' evidence was misleading and insufficient.

But prosecutor Gorge Manokore urged the court to allow the matter to go for a full hearing.

Harare magistrate Elijah Makomo will pass ruling on the application today.

In his defence, Tandi argues that the complainants brought a civil matter to a criminal court.

He said the complainant has been frantically trying to induce him to pay the money back.

According to the investigating officer, Edward Mtandwa, Tandi used the money he fleeced to renovate his home.

It is alleged that the actor lied that he was a choreographer employed by Cresta Lodge.

Manokore alleged that Tandi approached the couple, which was preparing for a wedding sometime in March this year.

Tandi reportedly lied that he had successfully planned Bona Mugabe's wedding.

The complainants engaged Tandi and were charged $1 000 before receiving a quotation of $30 000, the total wedding cost.

Tandi did not do what he promised, the court heard, prompting the complainants to report the matter to the police.

Tandi then returned $3 000 to the complainants through EcoCash after realising that the matter had been reported to the police.