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Jah Prayzah (left) and his band members on stage in Mutare before violence erupted. — (Picture by Tinayi Nyadzayo)

Ruth Butaumocho and Ray Bande

CHAOS reigned at Jah Prayzah’s gig as revellers ran in all directions at Pick and Save in Mutare in the early hours of Sunday when an unknown chemical similar to teargas was discharged during a fight by two well known men, injuring scores of people. Jah Prayzah had to jump off the stage for safety, while his fans scurried for cover as the chemical engulfed the whole area within a few minutes.With about 3 000 fans in attendance, the musician, who went onto the stage at around 11pm, had started off the show well, serenading revellers with his popular tracks that included “Kumbumura Mhute”, “Eriza”, “Taura Paumire”, “Zenze”, “Hello” and others.

For a good two hours, the lanky performer serenaded his fans with popular songs from his growing discography, in an electrifying performance that threw everyone in a revelling mood despite the wintry weather.

However, all hell broke loose around 2am when a scuffle ensued pitting two well known Mutare socialites, resulting in one of them throwing a canister at his rival.

Smoke immediately engulfed the place. In the ensuing mêlée, scores of fans sustained minor injuries while fleeing from the choking chemical. For a good 20 minutes, the agitated crowd battled to leave the venue.

In an interview, Pick and Save proprietor Esau Mupfumi identified the feuding parties as Douglas Kombo of Plot 5 Christmas Pass, Mutare, against Mutare socialite and businessman Clyde Jani.

“We had about 3 000 people in attendance and all was well until around 2am on Sunday when one Cyde (Jani) had a nasty exchange of words with Kombo,” said Mupfumi.

“The latter then threw a canister that was blocked by Jani before it rolled on the ground and started producing smoke that caused so much confusion and pain to revellers. Some who were near the entrance quickly went away but others had a torrid time getting out of the venue.

“Kombo was assaulted by a number of fans who blamed him for causing the abrupt stoppage of the entertaining show. We had to rescue him,” said the Dangamvura Chikanga legislator.

Mupfumi said Kombo instantly offered to pay $5 000 for the return of Jah Prayzah as a way of apologising for having caused the abandonment of the show.

“He handed over to us the $3 000 and pledged to pay the reminder,” said Mupfumi.

Lachrymatory agents, like the one used by Kombo, are commonly used for controlling rioting masses.

According to Google, their use in warfare is prohibited by various international treaties. Most of them cause severe eye, respiratory, and skin irritation, pain, vomiting, and even blindness.