Popular comedienne Mai Titi convicted of theft of trust property

HARARE – Popular comedienne Felistas Edwards Murata, better known as Mai Titi, has been convicted of fraud and theft of trust property.

Following the verdict, she is currently in custody awaiting sentencing, scheduled for Wednesday.

The court established that Murata had borrowed $10,000 under the pretense of starting a business but deceitfully offered a hired car as collateral.

In September of last year, she approached Rachel Mhuka and requested the funds for her business venture.

To secure the loan, Murata offered a Mercedes Benz (AFF9759), claiming it belonged to her.

Murata assured Mhuka that if she failed to repay the $10,000 by November 30, 2022, she would forfeit the Mercedes Benz.

Based on this false representation, Mhuka handed over the requested amount.

Shortly after, Murata returned to Mhuka and demanded the car back, stating that it did not actually belong to her.

Instead, she offered an Audi Q5 (AFG3701) and an expired passport as alternative collateral.

Mhuka later discovered that the passport had expired.

In January of this year, Mhuka was approached by the police from ZRP Rhodesville, who seized the Audi Q5, asserting that it belonged to Else Event Car Hire.

Outraged by Murata’s actions, Mhuka reported the incident to the police, resulting in Murata’s arrest.

Additionally, Murata faced a fraud charge for failing to make payments for the Audi she had rented from Else Car Rental and subsequently offering it to Mhuka as collateral.

Murata had approached Liberty Kudakwashe Vazhura at Else Car Rental to hire an Audi Q5.

They entered into an agreement requiring her to make weekly payments of $770, and a lease agreement was signed.

However, Murata failed to fulfill the payment obligations, leading Vazhura to demand the return of the car.

Vazhura reported the matter to Rhodesville Police Station, which led to the recovery of the car from Mhuka’s residence, where Murata had left it as collateral.

Harare magistrate Munashe Chibanda described the case as “a classic case of theft of trust property” in his ruling.

Murata’s sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, where the court will determine the appropriate punishment for her crimes of fraud and theft.