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Lovemore Meya Arts Correspondent
Alick Macheso’s ex-manager, Jatiel Machanja, who was facing charges of failing to pay police officers for security services provided at the sungura maestro’s show, was on Monday let off the hook.
Machanja was part of the organising team at a recent show staged at Aquatic Complex in Chitungwiza.
He was brought before Chitungwiza magistrate Ms Jessy Kufa by police officer Constable Paul Dera who was demanding $454 for the services rendered.
However, Ms Kufa allowed Machanja to go home after the complainant Cst Dera, who is stationed at Zengeza Police Station, failed to turn up for the trial.
The case will proceed by way of summons.
The prosecutor Mr Innocent Tizirai said Machanja was part of the organising team and assigned to engage police officers for security on December 8.
Tizirai told the court that Machanja went to Zengeza Police Station at around 9 in the morning requesting security services from the police.
Machanja was charged $554 but negotiated the figure down to $454 and signed an agreement with the officers.
Machanja allegedly promised to pay around midnight on the day of the show which was scheduled to kick off at 9pm on Friday.
The court heard that Dera went to the venue on Friday with five other officers including Constables Nhundu, Sasanhira, Chimhaka, Mabika and Chiinze for the required service.
Dera is said to have approached Machanja on Saturday at around 12.30am asking for payment as agreed.
The court heard that Machanja promised to pay after an hour. After the agreed time lapsed, Machanja allegedly failed to honour his word while the officers continued to man the premises until 5am.
Dera went to see Machanja for the money after the show but he failed to pay.
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