adminBongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
SOCIAL networking site Twitter this week went into meltdown following the alleged hiring of radio host – Munya Milimo – an accused murderer – by ZiFM Stereo with twimbos accusing the radio station of having double standards as it fired Tinopona “Tin Tin” Katsande over a sex tape – a lesser crime. In 2013, DJ Munya was accused of kidnapping and killing a man he suspected of having an extra-marital affair with his wife, but was put off remand this year after the State failed to gather evidence and build a case against him. On the other hand, Tin Tin, a former ZiFM breakfast show hostess, was sacked from the radio station in 2013 after a sex tape she featured in was leaked to the public.
After a story about ZiFM’s recruitment of DJ Munya was published on August 20 by online news site, Three Men On A Boat, twimbos did not waste time in expressing their discontent.
“Super DJ Munya Milimo has joined ZiFM . . . Our sources tell us that DJ Munya will start off with an hour on Ignition with TK and MisRed on Friday morning followed by a 10AM to 2PM shift on Saturday,” reported Three Men On A Boat.
Trends Zimbabwe responded with a post: “ZiFM Double Standards exposed after employing murder accused DJ Munya but firing Tin Tin for sex tape.”
Mwana wa Diva demanded an explanation from ZiFM: “I’m disappointed by ZiFMStereo, first MC Chita, now DJ Munya but TinTin had to go? Please explain.”
Norma questioned: “Why did Tin Tin lose her job over a sex tape and DJ Munya gets a job after his trial? It’s not fair.”
Zim Media Review said, “Tin Tin was treated unfairly and should’ve never been sacked. DJ Munya was never indicted, never tried. Tough one.”
Another twimbo wrote: “Better a killer than one who has sex?”
But ZiFM business development executive, Tendai Madondo, responded saying they had not yet hired DJ Munya, but were in talks with him.
“There’s nothing concrete with regards to DJ Munya and ZiFM. We’re in talks to see where we can fit him in our programming as we’re in the business of promoting local talent,” said Madondo.
On the backlash, Madondo said: “People are entitled to their own opinions about us hiring DJ Munya. We’re a people’s radio station in the business of listening to people’s voices and what they think. People have a right to express their thoughts and feelings and we welcome that.”
She said what mattered was DJ Munya’s vast experience on radio and not his past.
“There’s very little we can do to change his past and we’re looking at the positives he brings to broadcasting. We’re looking at working with him in that regard.
“We want to promote and sharpen his talent and the issue to do with the courts we can’t comment on that.
“DJ Munya is multi-talented and a role model for up-and-coming talent in Zimbabwe.”
Turning to Tin Tin, Madondo said the ZiFM door was always open for her.
“Tino still shares good relations with ZiFM. She visited the other day and interacted with her fellow colleagues. The door is always open for her and we’re willing to engage with her,” said Madondo.
Online Reporter