Socialites Tarisai Cleopatra Chikocho, popularly known as Madam Boss, and Admire Mushambi, also called Mama Vee, appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court. They were scheduled to testify in the fraud case linked to the collapsed E-Creator Ponzi scheme.
However, the hearing was postponed to 10 October due to the unavailability of a Chinese interpreter.
The case involves alleged E-Creator mastermind Zhao Jiaotong, who is accused of defrauding more than 670 investors of over US$364,000.
Prosecutors allege that Zhao used the Facebook pages of local socialites, including Madam Boss and Mama Vee, to promote the scheme and lure unsuspecting investors.
Between January and July 2023, complainants are said to have invested a total of US$364,647.30 into the company through EcoCash transactions.
On 3 July 2023, investors reportedly encountered difficulties in withdrawing their funds and were told the challenges were due to a system upgrade.
Two days later, E-Creator abruptly shut down operations, claiming that Zhao had fled the country with the invested money.
Zhao, who is facing fraud charges, has pleaded not guilty. Through his lawyer, Moffat Makuvatsine, he argued that his limited English proficiency prevented him from properly communicating with the witnesses.
He further denied misrepresenting the company’s operations, denied involvement in the establishment or running of E-Creator, and insisted he never received any money from the alleged scheme.
The trial is now expected to continue in October, when Madam Boss and Mama Vee are scheduled to testify.
