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Fungai Lupande Court Reporter
The trial of former Zimbabwe national team soccer player Harlington Shereni, who is accused of duping Ms Rumbidzai Mudenge, the daughter of the late former Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Dr Stan Mudenge of $8 000, failed to start on Wednesday after his lawyer asked for more time. Shereni’s lawyer, Mr Musindo Hungwe, applied for the postponement of the trial to allow him to prepare for their defence.

Shereni, who is on $200 bail, reportedly engaged Ms Mudenge to provide services at a venue where he held a Press conference for his testimonial match. It is alleged Shereni later disappeared without paying Ms Mudenge for her services while the match was postponed under unclear circumstances. Harare magistrate Ms Nomsa Sabarauta adjourned the matter to Monday next week.

Shereni is facing charges of “making off without payment”.

Prosecuting the case, Ms Shambadzeni Fungura alleged that on May 18 Shereni engaged Ms Mudenge to plan and co-ordinate his events.

Shereni ordered Ms Mudenge to plan for the Press conference, gala dinner, testimonial match and the after party. As per their agreement, Shereni was supposed to pay Ms Mudenge after the Press conference. It is alleged that Shereni became evasive after the Press conference. For all the services carried out, Shereni was supposed to pay Ms Mudenge $8 450. Ms Mudenge alleged that Shereni disappeared after all the services had been provided.