Relief for deserted Mai Dhuterere as US$16 000 fraud case collapses

HARARE – Gospel musician Mai Dhuterere seems to be off the hook, after the fraud case against her fell apart and she was removed from remand by Harare magistrate Tapiwa Banda.

Mai Dhuterere, real name Dorcas Vambe, was said to have defrauded a man of US$16 000, as she name-dropped President Emmerson Mnangagwa during a deal that went sour.

Prosecutors alleged that Vambe told Chrispen Magaya, a former Zanu PF candidate in Glen Norah constituency that she could import a Toyota GD6 duty free with the facilitation of Mnangagwa, who allegedly offered the facility as appreciation for her music.

Mai Dhuterere is said to have worked with her brother, Kudakwashe, after they found out that he wanted to purchase a vehicle.

“The duo teamed up and approached the complainant stating that they had a car sale in Botswana which had vehicles like the one he was looking for and they told him that his budgeted money would purchase two Toyota Hilux GD6 instead of one,” the state alleged.

After accepting payment via a commissioned affidavit, the defendants reportedly provided a Ford Ranger with temporary plates instead of the agreed-upon vehicles.

The substitute vehicle allegedly carried expired import documentation, leading to its eventual impoundment by authorities.

Mai Dhuterere’s removal from remand comes amidst reports that her marriage is in the doldrums, after her husband, Mambo Dhueterere, left her to raise their four children on her own.

The gospel musician is said to be pregnant with another child.