The trial of private investigator Tafadzwa Chidawa, known as Detective Kedha, took an unexpected turn when he broke down in tears on the witness stand, forcing Magistrate Muchuchuti Guwuriro to adjourn proceedings.
Backstory of the Case
Chidawa is charged alongside his alleged accomplices Paradza Passmore Matuva, Perseverance Chisango, Malvern Mutanda, and Francis Takura in connection with a scam that targeted a Harare woman, Melody Matanhire. Matanhire was deceived by Mutanda, who claimed to need US$20,000 to clean soiled banknotes. The money was supposed to be used to restore the banknotes to their original condition.
The Scam Unfolds
The scam involved a seemingly legitimate operation to clean the soiled banknotes. Matanhire managed to secure the required US$20,000, which she handed over to Mutanda on August 27, 2020, at Blue Ridge Lodge in Harare. Unbeknownst to her, Mutanda had conspired with Chidawa and his accomplices to swindle her. Chidawa and his team stormed in, posing as police officers, and forcibly took Mutanda. They then divided the stolen money among themselves.
Matanhire’s Desperate Attempt to Cover Up
When the deception was discovered, Matanhire staged a robbery to explain the missing money to her husband. However, detectives from CID Homicide eventually caught up with Mutanda, recovering some of the property he had purchased using the stolen funds.
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Chidawa’s Testimony and the Emotional Breakdown
Chidawa took the witness stand to defend himself, but his testimony ended in an emotional breakdown. He began to cry, forcing Chief Magistrate Muchuchuti Guwuriro to postpone the hearing to Monday, 17 February 2025. Chidawa’s breakdown added to the drama surrounding the case, which has captivated the nation with its intricate web of deceit and betrayal.
Defendants at Large
Mutanda and Takura remain at large, facing charges alongside Chidawa and others. The court has heard that the alleged accomplices had planned and executed the scam with precision, using their positions of authority to deceive and swindle Matanhire. The trial is expected to continue once Chidawa’s testimony has been resumed.
Magistrate’s Decision to Adjourn Proceedings
Magistrate Muchuchuti Guwuriro has adjourned the proceedings until Monday, 17 February 2025, to allow Chidawa’s emotional state to settle. The case has been marked by twists and turns, and this latest development has only added to the drama surrounding the trial.
