Chronicle EditorSukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Showbiz Correspondent
VILLAGERS in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South province have called for the ban of midnight concerts being organised by members of the business community citing that they were a major cause of criminal activities following the death of an 18-year-old teenager during a show.
Three Bulilima men recently stabbed Pardon Mvundla to death with a knife in a dispute over a missing cap at Khame Business Centre.
Headman Manguba said the incident had left villagers from Khame Ward disgruntled and were now demanding an end to the shows.
He said a meeting has been set for Saturday at which the matter would be discussed between villagers, members of the business community, community leaders and traditional leaders.
“Villagers are demanding the ban of midnight concerts and all night shows because they are a major cause of crime within the area.
“It’s not the first time that we have recorded a tragic incident as a result of these concerts. Some incidents end up in violence while some end up in tragedy.
“These concerts are usually organised by members of the business community and they are held within business centres as a way of generating income.
Villagers have suggested that these concerts start during day time and end early and if this isn’t possible they should be ruled out,” he said.
The councillor of the area, Tamilika Ndlovu said criminals were taking advantage of the concerts to engage in illegal activities. He said they were also a bad influence on youngsters.
“During these concerts criminals from surrounding wards take advantage to come into the ward and they are the people who cause commotion and violence. These concerts are also a bad influence upon youngsters.
“Because it will be at night some of the culprits are not arrested. They rob villagers, engage in fights and all forms of criminal activities and there is no one to control them.
“These events don’t benefit villagers in anyway but just become a curse. A lot happens when people are drunk,” he said.
Ndlovu said the concerts were not only common in his ward but surrounding areas as well and neighbouring villagers were also complaining of the same problem.
Image Ndlovu (22), Pretorius Ndlovu (28) and Proud Ncube (26) all of Mbembenene Village ganged up on Mvundla and assaulted him after a misunderstanding which arose between different groups of men that were attending the show.
Image allegedly stabbed Mvundla with a knife once in the chest resulting in his death.
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