Black Opal speaks on ‘shoplifting’ Second Princess

Mercy Kamanura

HARARE – Black Opal Face of Zimbabwe organisers say second princess Mercy Kamanura, who has been taken to court for allegedly stealing a jumpsuit worth $40 from a local retail shop, should be deemed innocent until proven guilty.

The 24-year-old entrepreneur appeared in court last week accused of stealing a jumpsuit and taking off the price tag.

Black Opal spokesperson Tanaka Ngorora told the Daily News that the pageant will only take action at the end of the court case.

“I am meeting with her to discuss what is going on and possibly the way forward. But definitely we will wait for the trial and court judgment before we make any decisions.

“We had not entered into any contracts yet, as you know the prize-giving ceremony has not yet been conducted. We give it time, especially for incidents like these,” he said.

Ngorora added that the court case would not mask the fact that Kamanura is the 2015 Black Opal Face of Zimbabwe second princess.

“It is unfortunate that this has happened but like any other family unit when a child errs, they are dealt with accordingly. Regardless of what she is said to have done, she is still number three and we cannot take it away from her,” said the Black Opal spokesperson.

He laughed off suggestions that Kamanura’s court case would soil the Black Opal brand.

“Our brand will definitely not be affected, it is bigger than her. I don’t think this will affect the users; people will not stop buying our products as the brand goes beyond her. This year’s theme is Step Into the Spotlight, it is unfortunate that she has stepped into the spotlight in this way.

“Edgars is our biggest customer and the relationship has not been strained at all. We have a strong relationship that is bigger than what has happened, after the court case has been settled, I will write a letter of apology,” he said. Daily News