In a surprising turn of events, Mr Teen Zimbabwe 2023, Abel Mugari, was reportedly dethroned over an alleged mere US$30 debt.
The decision, made by the organizers of Mr Teen Zimbabwe, has left social media users buzzing with questions.The announcement of Abel Mugari’s dethronement has sent shockwaves through social media.
In a statement seen by source, the organizers of Mr Teen Zimbabwe announced that they had stripped Abel of his title. They vaguely mentioned that they found his behaviour “unacceptable”
“It is with regret that we announce that Mr. Abel Mugari is no longer working with the Mr. Teen Zimbabwe brand and neither is he still the brand ambassador or the grand winner of the 2023 edition.
This decision was made following a thorough investigation into his behaviour, which was found to be unacceptable. Mr Mugari has to surrender all awards that came with the title with immediate effect. He will no longer be associated with the pageant in any way.”
After he was controversially dethroned, he was immediately replaced by Mr Teen Zimbabwe 2022 David Takavarasha.
Following his abrupt dethronement, Abel Mugari expressed his disappointment and sadness at the decision. He revealed that he had been stripped of both his Mr Teen Zimbabwe title and his role as the Brand Ambassador for the Mr Teen Zimbabwe organization.
“It was with great sadness and much disappointment that I learnt of the decision by the organizers of Mr Teen Zimbabwe to strip me of my title as the overall winner of Mr Teen Zimbabwe, as well as Brand Ambassador of the Mr Teen Zimbabwe organization,” Abel Mugari said.
Abel Mugari revealed that the root cause of the controversy is related to a Boot Camp event organized by the pageant.
He claims that participants were expected to attend a Boot Camp, which came with a fee of $40. However, due to logistical challenges, he failed to attend the camp. Abel only made it to Bulawayo on the day of the Mr Teen Zimbabwe event, where he was crowned the winner.
Abel Mugari explained that the event organizers insisted on full payment of $40 for the Boot Camp, despite his inability to attend. He managed to pay $10 and assured the organizers that he would discuss the balance payment with his parents.
Upon learning of the situation, his parents felt it was unjust to demand full payment for a camp he hadn’t participated in. However, they were prepared to pay 50% of the Boot Camp fee.
Unfortunately, the Mr Teen’s organizers refused this offer and quickly dethroned him. They also reportedly demanded the return of his sash and shield.
Source iHarare
