Singer Gerald “I-Wata” Masara jailed

By Latwell Nyangu

HARARE – Talented reggae crooner Gerald “I-Wata” Masara, who escaped a 24-month jail term last year after he pilfered US$15 000 from his former manager, has been jailed.

The star performer, who disappeared moments before the delivery of his judgement last year, has been slapped with the previously suspended ten months imprisonment on condition he pays the money back.

He had appeared before Mbare magistrate Stanford Mambanje who found him guilty of the theft charge after a full trial. I-Wata was convicted of stealing US$15 000 and was issued with two warrants of arrest prompting his appearance in court last week.

Previously, magistrate Mambanje sentenced I-Wata to 24 months imprisonment of which six months were suspended for five years on condition he does not commit a similar offence.

Ten more months were suspended on condition he restitutes US15 000 on or before October 31 2013.

For the remaining eight months, I-Wata was supposed to perform 315 hours of unpaid work at Girls High School.

Thus the previously imposed ten months imprisonment was brought into effect for his failure to pay the restitution.

Magistrate Mambanje had advised him to mind his own business and leave girls alone but he failed to complete the community service.

His defence counsel Michel Chakandida had pleaded with the court to spare the musician a jail term and prayed for leniency and he succeeded but the star failed to comply with the conditions.

The state managed to prove a case beyond reasonable doubt after leading his witnesses and condemned I-Wata’s conduct.

The 26 year old musician, who resides at House No.31 Eastcourt, Belvedere, stole US$15 000 from Tavengwa Nyamukondiwa,36, and the duo’s relationship collapsed.

According to the state, Tavengwa was I-Wata’s manager.

I-Wata tried his luck during trial when he dismissed the charge as malicious to his reputation while Tavengwa insisted that he indeed lost his money to the reggae star.

It was proved that on June 12 at around 10am, I-Wata went to Tavengwa’s place of residence at No.26 Tyrell Street Arcadia where there was a domestic worker at the premises.

According to the state, I-Wata then instructed the domestic worker to clean his shoes and she complied, proceeded outside and cleaned the shoes.

At that moment, I-Wata took advantage of her absence and proceeded into the house where he entered into Tavengwa’s bedroom and stole cash amounting to US$15000.

It was further heard that he took the money, which was stashed in a bag, and successfully disappeared from the house without being noticed.

Upon his return, Tavengwa discovered that his money was missing and he was advised of Gerald’s presence at the house during the day by his maid. The maid further indicated that Gerald entered into the bedroom twice. He made a police report leading to his arrest.

The stolen money is US$15 000 and nothing was recovered.

I-Wata is a seasoned reggae artist who recently went solo after being chucked out of Mic Inity’s Hotta Faya Band. H Metro