Online Reporter
Solomon Bhumu
Weekender Reporter
A FINANCIAL dispute between two friends — Chipochashe Chavani and Cynthia Mlambo — unfolded at the Mutare Civil Court after the former took legal action over an alleged unpaid debt of US$200.
The case was heard by magistrate, Ms Thandiwe Sibanda, during which it emerged that Mlambo approached Chavani, of Fern Valley in October 2024, seeking a loan of US$200. Chavani claimed that Mlambo promised to repay the amount in December last year, but failed to do so.
“Your worship, I seek your help in recovering my money from my old friend here, which I gave her last year in October,” Chavani pleaded before the court.
She explained that the two were friends and stayed in the same neighbourhood. However, their relationship soured when Chavani asked for her money back.
She said Mlambo responded with insults and fabricated a story about being ill.
“Whenever I tried to talk to her about the money, she would insult me. One time, she told me she was suffering from cancer and could not afford to go to court,” alleged Chavani.
Mlambo, however, denied ever borrowing money from Chavani, and insisted she was lying, adding that the money in question had actually been given to a third part known to both as Mai Wayne.
“Why are you lying Chipo? Your worship, I only introduced my friend known as Mai Wayne to her when she wanted some money, and they agreed on the payment terms,” said Mlambo.
“I only referred her because that is what she is known for in our community. But when Mai Wayne vanished without paying, she approached me saying I was to settle Mai Wayne’s debt,” added Mlambo.
Mlambo countered that Chavani was a well-known money lender in Fern Valley, and that she had introduced Mai Wayne to Chavani for financial services. She claimed that after Mai Wayne relocated, Mlambo began demanding the money from her instead.
The courtroom grew tense as both women stood firm in their opposing narratives. Chavani maintained that the transaction had taken place directly between her and Mlambo, and even stated that her 15-year-old daughter had witnessed it.
“Your worship, if the court may allow me to bring my daughter who was there when I handed Chavani the money,” requested Mlambo.
However, when Ms Sibanda asked for any written proof of the transaction, Mlambo admitted that the agreement was verbal, and no documentation existed.
She was granted permission to return to court on October 3 with her daughter to testify as a witness.
Ms Sibanda also cautioned Mlambo that should it be proved that she indeed owed the money, she could face penalties for unnecessarily wasting the court’s time and inconveniencing Chavani.
