Tich Mataz and 'accomplices' off the hook

Former Star FM programmes manager Tichafa Matambanadzo and two others accused of swindling a Harare businessman of US$5000 were yesterday removed from further remand.

Edith Chinyangare (39), Matambanadzo (45) and Kennedy Zimondi (58) appeared before Harare magistrate Elijah Makomo facing fraud charges.

The Herald reports that Makomo refused further remand after the complainant Jimmy Mukurumbandi did not turn up despite being issued with a warrant of arrest.

The complainant appears not interested in the matter and it is evident he appears when the accused are removed from remand, comes to revive the matter and disappears.

"He should be given a strong warning. This case is long overdue and has been on remand since 2010," he said.

The prosecutor Mr George Manokore did not oppose the application for refusal of further remand.

Manokore alleges that on March 27, 2011 Matambanadzo, Chinyangare and Zimondi connived to defraud Mukurumbandi of his money.

They allegedly misrepresented to him that they were organising a trip to Switzerland on Government business.

It was agreed Mukurumbandi would proceed with them standing in for Zimondi whom they claimed was under sanctions.