Sundaymail Editor
MUSIC star Makhadzi believes she was being targeted when two gunmen robbed her before shooting at her outside a venue where she was billed to perform recently.
Makhadzi, who was scheduled to perform at Ga-Rankuwa Shisanyama in Tshwane, was standing outside her car when two men armed with a gun approached her. According to co-owner of Open Mic Records, Lionel Jamela, the two men pointed a gun at her and took her cellphone.
Makhadzi then ran towards the venue’s entrance together with a dancer who was coming to join her at the parking lot.
The shooter then discharged the gun towards her direction, missing her and the dancer. Jamela said no-one was injured in the shooting.
He said Makhadzi had been waiting outside the venue for about four hours to perform when the incident happened. Makhadzi was supposed to have been on stage at 10pm as per contract. He said, however, the organiser kept moving her performance back by an hour until it was 12pm.
According to the statement released by the company, Makhadzi arrived at the venue after 8pm.
“I (as road manager) notified the promoter that we have arrived. The dancers were showed a table to settle (down) and wait. Makhadzi remained in the car to rest and there were no security (guards) around.”
The statement added: “The guy put his gun on Makhadzi’s neck and took her phone from her hand. And when she started screaming and running he (cocked) his gun and shot towards Makhadzi and dancers but missed them.
“Everyone who was at the parking lot ran away. Upon leaving the venue we (Makhadzi, dancer and me) noticed a car following us, we went for the nearest police station. We opened a case at Ga-Rankuwa police station. Police even escorted us out of Ga-Rankuwa.”
Jamela added: “As the company we are shocked by this incident that someone would want to harm one of the country’s superstars. We are happy that she is safe and the dancers.
“Today (last Tuesday), we have organised a counselling (session) for her and the dancers just to deal with the trauma. As the company, we promised to beef up security for our artists when they go out to work.”
Provincial police spokesperson Col Dimakatso Sello confirmed a case of robbery has been opened at Ga-Rankuwa police station and that no-one has been arrested so far.
Justin Bieber ‘banned’ from buying Ferraris
Pop star Justin Bieber has reportedly been banned from buying another new Ferrari after violating the Italian firm’s modification rules.
The Prancing Horse frowned upon the Canadian singer respraying his 2011 Ferrari F458 Italia to electric blue and modifying it with a Liberty Walk wide body kit, according to Milan-based newspaper Il Giornale.
The report states that the 28-year-old failed to respect the ethical codes of maintenance and usage of the cars. To preserve Ferrari’s dignity, unauthorised modifications are not allowed on its cars, and an owner also cannot sell their car in the first year without informing the firm.
Bieber auctioned the modified car in 2017.
Fabio Barone, president of the world’s largest Ferrari drivers’ club, said: “A Ferrari is a work of art, so it’s right the manufacturer sends the message that it has to be protected.”
If the reports are correct Bieber will not be able to buy a new Ferrari any more, though the Prancing Horse has not officially made a statement on the issue. If true, it would not cramp the singer’s style too much as he has a large collection of exotics including a Lamborghini, Bugatti, Rolls-Royce and Porsche.
Several other celebrities have been banned by Ferrari in the past, including reality TV star Kim Kardashian, rapper 50 Cent, and Hollywood star Nicolas Cage who was forced to sell his Ferrari Enzo in 2003 due to bankruptcy. — Wires .
Online Reporter