Tinotenda Hove

In a surprising turn of events, prominent gospel musician Dorcas Vambe, popularly known as Mai Dhuterere, has been set free after being charged with fraud. Harare magistrate Tapiwa Banda removed Vambe from remand, allowing the state to pursue further action through summons if desired.

Vambe had been accused of defrauding Chrispen Magaya, a former Zanu PF candidate, of US$16,000 by falsely promising to deliver two Toyota Hilux GD6 vehicles. According to prosecutors, Vambe allegedly claimed to have connections with President Emmerson Mnangagwa that would facilitate a duty-free importation of the vehicles.

The alleged scam involved Vambe and her brother, Kudakwashe, convincing Magaya that his US$16,000 budget could purchase two Toyota Hilux GD6 vehicles instead of one. Magaya handed over the money, and Vambe acknowledged receipt through a commissioned affidavit, committing to deliver the vehicles within two weeks.

However, instead of delivering the Toyotas, Vambe allegedly gave Magaya a Ford Ranger with temporary registration plates, which was later impounded by the police for having an expired temporary import permit. The two parties then allegedly agreed that Magaya would take the Ford Ranger and pay an additional fee to receive a Mercedes Benz C200.

Magaya’s patience wore thin when the promised Mercedes Benz C200 failed to materialize, leading him to file a police complaint against Vambe. Despite the allegations, Vambe was released on US$100 bail in December and has now been set free by the court.