TINASHE MAKICHI
It never rains but pours for South African DJs, Major League, after a chartered flight left the group at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport as it could not break Zimbabwe’s aviation and Covid-19 protocols.
Major League’s gig in Harare on Saturday was stopped by the police and had a show in Bulawayo Sunday
According to eye witnesses and aviation sources at the Joshua Nkomo Airport, the Major League entourage was insisting on flying back to Harare at 10pm after a gig in Bulawayo while the pilot who remained professional and calm advised the crew of Zimbabwe’s strict aviation and Covid-19 lockdown regulations and prevailing weather conditions as reasons not to proceed with the flight.
There are indications that the airport closes at 7pm.
Airport sources told Business Times that socialite Tazvi Mhaka who is part of the Major League entourage tried to convince the charter pilot to fly against the stipulated aviation regulations but to no avail.
“It was a scene at the airport in Bulawayo and the Major League entourage which also included Mike Chimombe who is the President of Affirmative Action Group was looking at flying back to Harare during the night against the country’s Covid-19 regulations as well as the prevailing unpredictable weather. So the pilot refused to fly at that time which forced the entourage to try and entice the pilot with some money which was rejected in full view of airport staff and some passengers,” the airport source said.
The pilot and the aviation firm, who could not be named for professional reasons, reportedly terminated the flight.
The pilot flew back to Robert Mugabe International Airport leaving the entourage stranded at the Joshua Nkomo Airport.
Contacted for comment Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo airports manager Passmore Dhewa said he was not at the airport since it was a Sunday but confirmed getting the information that the pilot had flown back to Harare.
“Who is the pilot and I was not at the airport it’s a Sunday but I heard that the pilot flew back to Harare,” Dhewa said.
Mhaka told Business Times: “No comment.”
Chimombe did not respond to messages sent to him through text and WhatsApp.
South African twin brothers best known for their DJying skills, the Major League, arrived in Harare for shows in Harare and Bulawayo.
Government has toughened its stance on Covid-19 regulations as it moves to stem the spread of the virus.
Last month, Chimombe was arrested alongside Kudakwashe Chigodo and Bruce Moyo for violating Covid-19 regulations after they hosted a public gathering of 300 people. from 9pm to 330am.
