Tich Mataz removed  from remand Tichafa Matambanadzo
Tichafa Matambanadzo

Tichafa Matambanadzo

Tendai Rupapa
Senior Court Reporter
Former Star FM programmes manager Tichafa Augustine Matambanadzo, who is accused of defrauding the radio  station of over US$125 000, has been removed from remand after his lawyer successfully applied for refusal of further remand.Matambanadzo, through his lawyer Mr Obert Mawadza, made the application after prosecutor Ms Ressy Nyamombe sought for a postponement of the case, which was due for trial.

Ms Nyamombe said she needed time to secure the attendance of the witnesses, adding that one of them, Mr Cloudious Garwi, was on his way to court.

But Mr Mawadza said that the State was not ready to proceed to trial before making the application.
After hearing submissions from both parties magistrate Mrs Sandra Mupindu ruled in favour of Matambanadzo.
She said the court could not wait for witnesses and ordered the State to proceed by way of summons.

It is alleged Matambanadzo diverted Star FM’s advertising revenue to two companies that he had interests in.
It is the State’s case that during the period extending from June 25 last year to May 15 this year, Matambanadzo hatched the plan to defraud Star FM.

He allegedly misrepresented to clients that Star FM did not have the capacity to produce certain programmes before indicating that he was the company’s agent through Hamtec and Onesay Investments.
Matambanadzo, the court heard, created fraudulent letters using Star FM letterheads purporting that the company had offered contracts to

Hamtec and Onesay Investments companies to advertise on its behalf.
Due to the misrepresentation, Copac, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, the European Union, American Embassy, Ster Kinekor and OK Zimbabwe approached the two companies and placed their advertisements which were later produced and advertised by Star FM.

Star FM, the court heard, was also prejudiced after it entered into barter deals with Goldtech and CellOne Electronics through Matambanadzo.
Star FM  would  provide  radio airtime  for the companies in exchange  for  electrical gadgets such  as  laptops, I pads  and cellphones all  worth  more  than    US$21 000 which went to Matambanadzo.

You Might Also Like

Comments

Take our Survey

We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey