Incarcerated Zim dancehall producers DJ Fantan and Levels have approached the High Court seeking bail pending appeal against their conviction for allegedly violating Covid-19 regulations.
Fantan (Arnold Kamudyariwa) and Levels (Tafadzwa Kadzimwe) together with Boss Dammer (Simbarashe Chanachimwe) were arrested earlier this month after they hosted a New Year’s Eve gig in Mbare’s Matapi Flats.
The jamboree, which attracted hundreds of people, was described as a potential Covid-19 super-spreader, leading to the trio’s arrest and eventual conviction.
When they appeared in court on January 6, the trio pleaded guilty to the charges and were sentenced to six months in prison by Harare provincial magistrate Vongai Guuriro.
Fantan and Levels, who are being represented by lawyer Dumisani Mthombeni, are now appealing against the sentence and hope the High Court will free them on bail.
In their application, the duo said they will not abscond from justice as they handed themselves over to the police and have been cooperating with investigations.
“It is submitted, with due reverence, that both applicants harbour no intentions of absconding from justice.
“They have never to date demonstrated an ability or willingness to evade justice according to the facts and allegations of this case.
“During investigations and at court, first and second applicants were highly and exceptionally cooperative; as such an inference of them absconding if granted bail cannot be sustained in the circumstances.
“On the contrary both are extremely desirous to prosecute their appeals to finality,” Mthombeni said in the application.
The Chillspot Records frontmen are also claiming that if released on bail, they can help health authorities by using their influence in the young population by crafting positive messages in the fight against Covid-19.
“First and second applicants are desirous to engage the government of Zimbabwe through the relevant ministry of Health, to be advocacy ambassadors who support and complement government efforts in the fight against the pandemic.
