HARARE magistrate Elijah Makomo yesterday cancelled the warrant of arrest he had issued against suspended Star FM programmes manager Tichafa Matambanadzo after the latter had defaulted a routine remand hearing.
BY SENIOR REPORTER
The cancellation was done after Matambanadzo, who allegedly defrauded his former employer of $126 000, told the court through his lawyer Dumisani Mthombeni that he was in Kenya for a church conference and missed his flight back.
He also produced documents to confirm his story, leading to the cancellation of the warrant.
The DJ-cum-businessman notified the court that he was going to make an application for refusal of further remand if the State fails to furnish him with a trial date today.
For the State, Sharon Mashavira made an undertaking that the State will provide Matambanadzo — who is out of custody — with a trial date today.
Popularly known as Tich Mataz, the disc jockey–cum–businessman is facing allegations of defrauding his employer of over $126 000 through a scheme in which he allegedly converted advertising revenue to his personal use.
He was charged with fraud as defined under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and is on $300 bail.