US$4500 Theft Case: Harare Slay Queens Released After Victim Fails To Show Up in Court
Two young women accused of stealing US$4,500 from a man during a night out at Mashwede were released unconditionally after the complainant failed to appear in court. Makanaka Mukundwa and Melissa Katiyo were freed this morning at the Mbare Magistrates’ Court when Mpilo Matutu, the alleged victim, was a no-show.
The court ruled that the women could be summoned later, should Matutu decide to pursue the matter.
The Allegations
The case stems from an incident during a show headlined by South African Amapiano stars Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa at Mashwede. Matutu alleges that Mukundwa and Katiyo stole US$4,500 from his car while they were socialising.
According to Matutu, the women joined him in the VIP section, where they shared drinks and mingled. He claimed they later moved to his car, where they continued the night’s festivities. Matutu then left them momentarily to speak to someone inside the venue. When he returned, the women were gone, leaving behind their shoes and handbags. To his dismay, he discovered that the money he had hidden in his car’s dashboard was missing.
In response to the accusations, private detective Tafadzwa Chidawa, known as Detective Kedha, apprehended the two women, who have since denied the allegations.
The Accused Speak Out
Makanaka Mukundwa has vehemently denied stealing any money. Speaking to the media, she suggested that Matutu fabricated the allegations after she refused his advances.
“Honestly, I didn’t steal any money. This guy just wants to frame me because he bought champagne and I refused to leave with him,” Mukundwa said. She added, “I don’t even know how my shoes ended up in his car.”
She further explained the confusion around the night. “He told me to leave my things, including my phone, on the couch, and we agreed. When I came back, everyone was gone, and I realised my phone was missing. I don’t know how my belongings got into his car.”
Mukundwa also mentioned seeking help from waitstaff to locate her missing items. “I asked the waiter who had been serving us, and he said he didn’t know where Matutu had gone. I later heard he would be at Mashwede on Sunday, but I didn’t see him again.”
What Happens Next?
With the court appearance postponed indefinitely due to Matutu’s absence, the case has left many questions unanswered. The court has indicated that Mukundwa and Katiyo may be summoned again if Matutu provides evidence to support his claims.
For now, the two women are free and continue to maintain their innocence. The case has sparked interest, especially given the involvement of popular detective Tafadzwa Chidawa and the high-profile nature of the event.
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