After Makwathy's no-show, disgruntled festival goers allegedly destroyed the stage, causing chaos and significant property damage at Makwathy Stadium.
North West Police launched a manhunt for the suspect after the event's featured performer, award-winning musician Makazi, failed to show up, causing chaos among festival-goers.
Festival-goers attended the annual Kvass London Fun, Games and Music Festival at Wolmaranstad's McWashy Stadium on Thursday, with singer Ndivuzany Larivkhona touted to be performing.
However, she allegedly failed to show up in time, leaving fans to wait until early Friday morning.
Fans set the stage on fire after Makazi's no-show
Organizers reportedly brought in a performer resembling Makhaji to reassure the audience. A video posted on social media shows a woman dressed in green performing in the early morning light.
However, the action backfired, with frustrated and angry participants allegedly starting throwing bottles and stones at the impersonators before setting the stage on fire.
North West police spokeswoman Col. Adele Myburgh said attendees were frustrated after the lead singer became silent and violent around 5:15 a.m.
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“The stage and other equipment was destroyed with an estimated cost of close to R3 million,” Myburgh said.
Video shows the equipment on fire, apparently after the crowd had calmed down.
Watch the video compilation here:
Makwasi's no-show turns Makwasi Stadium into a riot party atmosphere
A long-awaited festival show with unprecedented performances by popular musicians @MakhadziSA There was pandemonium at Makwasi Stadium in North West Province last night. pic.twitter.com/M3IT28QPHT
— CrimeInSA (@sa_crime) December 27, 2024
“The investigation into the incident is ongoing, but no arrests have been made.”
Damage equivalent to R3m
However, Makhaji's team accused her of causing a no-show because the organizers could not reach an agreement to pay her.
Makazi Entertainment said in a statement posted on social media that a promoter named Ismael contacted the team and agreed to pay them R180,000 to perform at the Kwass London Fun Games and Music Festival. said.
Her team said on November 19 that it had presented promoters with a contract that required a 50% deposit before any promotional activity on social media. The contact also stated that full payment is required 14 days prior to the event.
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“Pursuant to this agreement, a deposit was received along with R3,000 as an additional fee for the promotional video. Unfortunately, the promoter did not pay the balance within 14 days and therefore a contractual agreement could not be reached,” the team said. .
Makazi Entertainment said it informed Makazi and her travel team about the event only after confirming all payments.
“We did not receive the balance within 14 days,” the team added again.
Promoter did not pay balance for 14 days – Makazi team
“We would like to sincerely apologize to all of McWathie's loyal fans.”
Meanwhile, McWathie Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects involved in the aggravated vandalism incident at the stadium.
Police are appealing for anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Makwathy Police Station Captain Belen Hlasa on 082 575 8377 or the South African Police Service (Saps) Crimestop number 08600 10111. You can also communicate anonymously. You can receive notifications via the MySAPS app on your smartphone.
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