A Beitbridge socialite Boniface Mapani has appeared in court on charges of duping a transport operator of US$1 100 after claiming that he could secure permits for buses.
Mapani faces yet another charge of flouting Customs and Excise regulations when he allegedly operated as a clearing agent without a licence.
He is denying the charges.
Resident Magistrate Takudzwa Gwazemba heard that Mapani, popular on social media where he films himself at gigs, football matches, accident scenes and for his political satire, allegedly committed both offenses last year.
Prosecutor Ronald Mugwagwa said sometime in July last year Mapani, 39, misrepresented to Kudakwashe Zowa that he could source bus permits for two 18-seater buses at US$550 each.
Zowa paid for two permits and was advised to wait for three weeks.
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After four weeks Mapani directed Zowa to one Misheck Chimuka who he claimed was his business partner. Zowa could not locate him.
He then realised that he had been conned and reported the matter to the police.