A FORMER associate of Robert Mugabe appeared in court yesterday charged with fraud after allegedly working illegally in Britain.

Phillip Machemedze, 47, did not enter a plea to two charges of obtaining pecuniary advantage by deception at Bristol Magistrates' Court.

It is alleged that he worked illegally as a nurse at The Priory, a drug and alcohol recovery hospital, in Stapleton from June 2005 to May 2010.

It is also alleged that he worked as a support worker for Milestones Trust, a Bristol charity which supports people with dementia, learning disabilities and mental health needs, from May 2003 to May 2010.

The alleged deception involves not telling the employers that he was barred from working in the UK.

He was bailed to attend a committal hearing in September and will appear at Bristol Crown Court at a later date.

Machemedze moved to Britain in 2000 and later claimed asylum along with his wife Febbie.

He was allowed to remain in Britain indefinitely, and he and his wife now live in Avonvale Road, Redfield.

Machemedze – who appeared in court wearing a black leather jacket, striped purple and black top and matching purple leather shoes – spoke only to confirm his name and address during the hearing.

He was granted conditional bail, which means he must reside at his home address and must not apply for a passport or international travel documents.

He will appear again at Bristol Magistrates' Court on September 13.