Celebrated gospel musician Dorcas Vambe, known as Mai Dhuterere, has been cleared of fraud allegations involving $16,000 in a failed vehicle transaction.
Harare magistrate Tapiwa Banda ruled to remove Vambe from remand this week, stating prosecutors may pursue the case through summons if they choose to proceed. The artist had been on $100 bail since her December 2023 arrest.
Details of Mai Dhuterere’s Alleged Fraud Scheme
Court documents reveal the case centred on claims that Vambe allegedly misrepresented her ability to secure vehicles through presidential connections. The complainant, Chrispen Magaya—a former Zanu PF candidate for Glen Norah constituency—reportedly sought to purchase a Toyota Hilux GD6.
Prosecutors contended that Vambe and her brother Kudakwashe presented themselves as having access to a Botswana-based car dealership. They allegedly promised Magaya two Toyota Hilux GD6 vehicles for his $16,000 budget, rather than the single unit he expected to purchase.
Mai Dhuterere cleared in fraud case-Image Source@Facebook/mambo dhuterere
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.
The case took another turn when the parties allegedly negotiated alternative compensation involving a Mercedes-Benz C200, which never materialised. This sequence of events prompted Magaya to file formal charges against the gospel artist.
Legal Outcome and Next Steps
With the removal of remand status, the prosecution must now decide whether to continue the case through summons. Legal observers note this development reflects the court’s position on the timely progression of cases, though the allegations remain unresolved.
The music star maintains her innocence while supporters celebrate the latest court decision. Industry analysts suggest the case has drawn unusual attention due to celebrity involvement and the purported invocation of high-level political connections in the alleged scheme
