Hulengende charges withdrawn, re-arrested

THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has withdrawn fraud and assault charges against Zimbabwean dancehall musician Ezbornwage Chidamajaya, popularly known as Hulengende.

Chidamajaya had been facing two counts of fraud and assault. The fraud charge was withdrawn after the complainant confirmed receiving the US$3 900 allegedly owed to him.

The assault charge was also withdrawn after the complainant indicated that he no longer wished to pursue the matter.

However, Chidamajaya was re-arrested shortly after leaving court.

Sources said he was being sought in connection with another fraud case in Chinhoyi, where he is alleged to have defrauded another complainant.

Meanwhile, Chidamajaya's wife, Millicent "Maloti" Chimonyo, is also being sought by police for allegedly defaulting on court proceedings.

Chimonyo was arrested last year over allegations of cyberbullying musician and socialite Passion Java but reportedly failed to attend subsequent remand proceedings at the Harare Magistrates Court.

The latest developments come days after Hulengende and Chimonyo were arrested shortly after performing at the Harare edition of the Doek and Slay event at Glamis Arena.

Reports indicated that the arrests followed complaints from promoters over an alleged failure to honour performance commitments after receiving advance deposits.

The couple's latest legal troubles come amid increased scrutiny of contractual and financial disputes involving entertainers and event promoters.