Zimbabwean comedian and social media star Admire Takudzwa Mushambi, popularly known as Mama Vee, has been thrust into legal trouble after a Harare magistrate issued a warrant for his arrest. The action follows his failure to appear in court to give testimony in the high-profile E-Creator Ponzi scheme case, a scandal that has rocked both the entertainment industry and financial circles in the country.
Mama Vee had been summoned as a key witness, expected to shed light on how the now-defunct online investment platform allegedly deceived hundreds of investors, ranging from ordinary citizens to high-profile entertainers. Authorities say the fraudulent scheme caused losses exceeding US$300,000, leaving countless victims grappling with financial hardship and shattered trust.
This week, when proceedings resumed at the Harare Magistrates Court, the comedian was conspicuously absent. His failure to appear prompted Regional Magistrate Francis Mapfumo to act decisively. The magistrate, visibly displeased, reminded the courtroom that fame or public recognition does not place anyone above the law.
“The court will not tolerate the disregard of its processes,” Magistrate Mapfumo declared firmly. “A warrant of arrest has been issued for the witness to ensure he answers the call of justice.”
With this ruling, Mama Vee — once seen as a cooperative witness — became a wanted individual, sending shockwaves through both legal and entertainment circles. Fans of the comedian, who has built a massive following through his humorous skits and viral content, were left stunned by the sudden turn of events.
Despite his absence, the court hearing continued, with fellow social media personality Tarisai Cleopatra Munetsiva, better known as Madam Boss, taking the stand. Her testimony placed Mama Vee at the heart of the E-Creator promotional network, raising serious questions about his role in introducing other entertainers to the scheme.
According to Madam Boss, she was approached by E-Creator through Mama Vee, who linked her to the platform’s representatives. She testified that the company sought to leverage her online influence to market their investment opportunities.
“Mama Vee was the one who introduced me to the people behind E-Creator,” Madam Boss told the court. “They asked me to create an advertisement for them to post on my Facebook page, and I was paid for that service.”
Comedian Mama Vee Wanted After Failing to Appear in Court
Her statements highlight Mama Vee’s pivotal position in the promotion of the scheme. By connecting the alleged fraudsters to influential figures, he inadvertently helped legitimize the operation in the public eye. Through endorsements by trusted personalities, E-Creator attracted thousands of new investors — many of whom lost substantial sums when the platform collapsed.
Madam Boss further revealed how her professional engagement with the company evolved into personal involvement. Following the promotional work, she invested her own funds in the scheme, believing it to be legitimate. Her trust extended to her immediate circle, including her husband and other relatives, whom she encouraged to participate.
“I also encouraged my husband and my relatives to participate in the programme,” she said. “We all thought it was a good opportunity.”
Her testimony underscores the power of celebrity influence in propagating the scheme, which relied heavily on public figures’ credibility to attract wider participation. What started as a simple paid promotion quickly became a conduit for financial losses affecting entire families.
As of now, Mama Vee’s whereabouts remain unknown, and authorities have launched a manhunt to locate him. Law enforcement sources indicate that bringing him before the court is a top priority, given the high public interest and the significant sums of money involved.
Legal experts note that while Mama Vee has not been formally charged with a crime, failing to appear as a summoned witness is a serious offense. Should the court determine that he deliberately evaded proceedings, he could face contempt of court charges in addition to the existing arrest warrant.
Meanwhile, the E-Creator scandal continues to unfold, revealing the vulnerabilities of online investment schemes and the influential role of social media personalities in facilitating such fraud. Victims have expressed anger over how easily trusted entertainers seemed to validate a pyramid-style operation, deepening the sense of betrayal.
For Mama Vee, the incident has cast a shadow over a previously celebrated career. Once adored for his comedic talent and relatable content, his name is now entwined with one of Zimbabwe’s most notorious financial scandals in recent memory.
As the search intensifies, all eyes remain on the Harare Magistrates Court, where the next session will determine whether Mama Vee will appear to testify or face the full consequences of his failure to attend.
Source- iHarare
