The state-run Herald newspaper reports that radio and television personality, Tichafa Matambanadzo and his business partner, Raymond Tendai Chamba accused of defrauding the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe of ZW$150 140 (new value), appeared today, at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts facing theft charges.

Matambanadzo, popularly known as “Tich Mataz” and Chamba, appeared before magistrate Ms Memory Chigwaza, who remanded them to March 31 on US$500 bail each, coupled with conditions.

The duo was told to deposit US$500 each with the clerk of court, report twice every week on Mondays and Fridays at the CID serious fraud section.

The two are to reside at their given addresses, surrender their passports and not to inter- fere with witnesses and investigations.

Their lawyers Mr Wellington Thomas Pasipanodya of Manase and Manase representing Matambanadzo and Mr Ringisai Mapondera representing Chamba, agreed with the bail conditions, but objected to the surrender of passports.

They indicated that they had consented to bail with the Attorney General’s Office but had not agreed their clients should surrender their passports since they are in business, they needed to travel.

Mr Mapondera said the duo was willing and ready to reimburse the money but the magistrate told him that yesterday’s hearing was a remand and not a trial.

Appearing for the State, Mr Dumisani Mthombeni assisted by Mrs Ropafadzai Majaja, told the court that in July 2008 Government, through the RBZ, introduced the Bacossi programme to sell commodities in the form of food hampers to the general public at affordable prices.

MIZ  also reports that Matambanadzo is no stranger to controversy. The former South African, 5FM DJ was also accused of having forged his academic certificates, a few years ago to apply for the post of chief executive officer at ZBH.
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