The Zimbabwean socialite, Felistas Murata, popularly known as Mai Titi, has been found guilty of theft of trust property and is due to be sentenced today. The court rejected her request for bail and remanded her in custody, ruling that the State had presented a strong case against her.
According to court documents, Mai Titi had falsely claimed that she needed US$10,000 for her business venture and promised to give a Mercedes Benz vehicle as security for the loan. However, the court heard that she was aware that the vehicle did not belong to her. Despite this, she was given the money by the complainant, Rachel Mhuka. Mai Titi later took back the Mercedes Benz and gave Mhuka another vehicle, an Audi Q5, before submitting an invalid passport as surety. When Mhuka discovered that the passport was invalid, she confronted Mai Titi, who immediately returned the second vehicle.
Officers from Rhodesville Police Station in Harare seized a car belonging to Mai Titi after it was reported stolen by Else Event Car Hire. The company claimed that Mai Titi had hired the vehicle on September 29, 2022, and pledged to make weekly payments of US$770. However, she failed to make the payments and became evasive when the issue was raised.
Mai Titi’s actions have resulted in her being found guilty of theft of trust property. The court will sentence her today.