YA FM studios vandalised

ZVISHAVANE’S YA FM was left counting losses after revellers at a musical show ran amok early Saturday morning and destroyed part of the radio station’s studios.

The revellers had been angered after the main act at the show, Soul Jah Luv’s act was prematurely cut short because of a Public Address (PA) system malfunction. YA FM chairperson Mr Munyaradzi Hwengwere confirmed the incident and said remedial measures were being taken.

Mr Hwengwere said the fracas started around 2am during the show organised by the radio station at the Radio Park, adjacent to the main studios. He said Soul Jah Luv, who had just taken to the stage, had his performance cut short after the PA system malfunctioned, igniting the chaotic scenes.

“The PA system failed for about 20 minutes and Soul Jah Luv went. People got angry and broke the gate at the Radio Park, windows at the radio station. We are still assessing the extent of the damage but of course it runs into thousands of dollars,” he said.

Mr Hwengwere said his radio station takes full responsibility of the events, and apologised to the revellers for the disappointment they suffered. He said internal processes were in motion to correct the situation.

“Much as we don’t condone destruction of property, we have to accept the blame. We are dealing with the issue internally to get to the bottom of it. We would also want to deal with suppliers of the equipment,” he said.

Mr Hwengere said his station was now organising a peace concert in the mining town as part of efforts to make up for the revellers’ disappointment. He said the peace concert, whose date would be announced soon, was also aimed at promoting tolerance among Zvishavane residents.