Local artist assaulted during soccer match

Date: 15 March 2002 By: Ndivhuwo Musetha

THOHOYANDOU – A well-known local reggae artist was allegedly assaulted by a taxi driver after a short argument about who should be playing for Leopards during the Black Leopards match against Ria Stars last Saturday.

Philip Shandukani Malise confirmed to Mirror on Tuesday morning in a telephone interview that he assaulted Khakhathi "Zwimanzhozini" Tshisikule exactly ten minutes before full time. He said, however, that he would explain further after a meeting with Khakhathi.

Khakhathi claims he was talking to a friend, who was suggesting who should be in the team, when Philip came and punched him four times. "We were sitting in the western stand when a friend suggested to me that a certain player should be playing to avoid a loss against Ria Stars. It was exactly ten minutes before full time and Leopards were trailing by 2 goals to 0. I then told my friend he should not tell me who should be in, instead, he should tell Gavin Hunt, as he is in charge. Out of nowhere, Philip, who was sitting nearby, came straight to me and told me, 'you could not answer like that as we have paid a lot of money here. He said I must concentrate on my music as he has lost R15, which is a lot of money."

According to the musician, the man told him "you do not mind as you are being paid from our money here. Within two minutes he punched me four times on my face. I never retaliated. From there I was bleeding profusely from a cut in my mouth. My face was also swolen," said Khakhathi.

He added that he then proceeded to the police station with the intention of opening a case against the attacker, but later changed his mind after Malise had pleaded with him not to open the case as it would seriously affect him and his family. The negotiations took place in front of the police at the Thohoyandou Police Station. Khakhathi said he agreed, with the understanding that Philip would pay the medical expenses.

According to Khakhathi, Philip once confronted him during a Leopards/Santos game at the same venue. "Philip, whom I know very well as a local taxi driver from Thohoyandou to Makwarela where I stay, first stunned me during Santos game when he claimed that I was standing in his way, while I was going up the stands searching for my seat. I never answered him then," said Khakhathi.

Khakhathi claims there are people who are jealous of his success in the music industry. "I think there are people who are jealous of my success in music, more especially my involvement with the team. These people should understand very clearly that they would never take me down. This is my God-given talent, and no one will take it away from me," said Khakhathi.

At the time of going to press Malise and Khakhathi were still negotiating on how they can settle the issue.

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