Zimdancehall musician Ezbornwage Chidamajaya, popularly known as Hulengende, has been released following his arrest after performing at the Doek and Slay event in Harare.
The latest development comes after two complainants withdrew fraud and assault complaints against the musician during the vetting process.
As a result, the allegations did not proceed further through the criminal justice system, and Hulengende was allowed to walk free.
His wife and fellow performer, Malloti, was arrested alongside him shortly after the couple’s performance at Glamis Arena. However, she was released on the same day after authorities established that the fraud allegations were directed at Hulengende.
Hulengende arrested after Glamis Arena performance
Police arrested the couple on Sunday, 16 August 2026, after they left the stage at the Harare edition of Doek and Slay.
Videos shared online showed officers attempting to take the performers into custody as members of their security team gathered around them. A scuffle reportedly broke out during the arrest, while some journalists covering the incident were also caught in the commotion.
The sudden arrest became one of the biggest talking points from an event that had attracted thousands of entertainment lovers to Glamis Arena.
Initial reports linked the operation to complaints from promoters who had accused Hulengende and Malloti of accepting deposits before failing to attend scheduled performances or arriving several hours late.
However, later reports confirmed that Hulengende faced specific allegations of fraud and assault when authorities processed his case.
Complainants withdraw their cases
Hulengende arrived at the Harare Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 18 August, expecting to answer to the allegations.
Nevertheless, the case took a dramatic turn after both complainants withdrew their complaints during vetting.
The withdrawal meant the allegations did not proceed to a full court hearing. Therefore, no trial took place, and no finding of guilt or innocence was made by the court.
Reports did not disclose why the complainants changed their minds. Authorities also did not provide detailed information about the incidents behind the fraud and assault complaints.
Hulengende was subsequently released from custody.
The musician’s release brought an immediate end to his detention, which had attracted considerable attention because police arrested him shortly after a major public performance.
Malloti was released on the day of the arrest
Although police initially detained both performers, later reports indicated that Malloti did not spend the same amount of time in custody as her husband.
She was released on Sunday after it emerged that the fraud complaint under investigation was directed at Hulengende.
No court appearance involving Malloti was reported in connection with the latest matter. In addition, authorities have not announced any charges against her arising from the Doek and Slay arrest.
The couple’s supporters have since reacted to news of Hulengende’s release across social media. However, the incident has kept attention firmly on their relationship with promoters and venue owners.
Mutoko venue suffered extensive damage
Days before the Glamis Arena arrest, management at Dhana Leisure Centre in Mutoko accused Hulengende and Malloti of failing to attend a scheduled show on 10 August.
Fans who had gathered for the performance became angry after the couple did not appear.
According to Dhana Leisure Centre management, members of the crowd smashed windows, looted stock and damaged vehicles and the stage during the chaos.
The venue estimated that restoring the damaged property could cost at least US$40,000.
Shepherd Maeni, who spoke on behalf of the centre, said the venue had assisted the promoter with preparations after receiving assurances that the booking was in order.
However, the night descended into violence when the performers did not arrive.
The destruction renewed concerns about the risks carried by promoters and venue owners when booked artists fail to honour performance agreements. Fans can also lose money through tickets, transport and accommodation arranged around cancelled shows.
Promoter disputes remain under the spotlight
Promoters in Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom and other parts of Southern Africa have raised complaints about unfulfilled bookings involving the couple.
Those wider disputes remain separate from the fraud and assault complaints that led to Hulengende’s latest detention.
His release does not automatically settle every contractual disagreement involving past performances. Instead, it confirms that the two complaints connected to his arrest were withdrawn before they could proceed.
No further police action had been announced by the time of publication.
For now, both Hulengende and Malloti are out of custody. Nevertheless, their dramatic arrest and the financial losses surrounding missed performances have placed their future bookings under intense public scrutiny.
Promoters may now demand clearer contracts, stronger refund provisions and greater guarantees before confirming new shows involving the popular Zimdancehall couple.
