The assassination of popular Tshwane MC and DJ Peter "Mashata" Mabuse, last weekend in Soshanguve, has brought fear to award-winning Amapiano producer and performer, Kabza De Small. Kabza, real name Kabelo Motha, was booked to perform at the Bom Extravaganza All Black Edition on Freedom Day, 27 April, in Soshanguve but one of South Africa's most sought-after performers has cancelled his performance.

HE IS WILLING REFUND THEM 

His management tried to convince him to honour the appointment on Saturday, to no avail. The management team then wrote to the organisers, asking that they should send them an invoice so that they repay a full amount that was paid to Kabza. In a letter to the organisers, they said: "After long conversations with our client Kabelo Motha, we have reached a conclusion to cancel the event happening this weekend due to the sudden events that occurred this past weekend, due to the safety of our client. But we would like to consider full refund, as we don't know when the client (Kabza) will be comfortable to travel to Soshanguve. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this and hope this will be amicable." The organisers of the All Black Edition have resigned themselves in losing out on Kabza performing in Soshanguve, despite efforts to guarantee his safety which included adding the highly trained VIP security to physically guard him.

CONCERNED ABOUT HIS SAFETY

In a statement, the organisers said the reason given to them by the booking agency was that the artist in question was concerned about his safety and security in light of recent heightened criminal activities and shootings within the Soshanguve area. "We have tried to convince the management team and artist to consider their decision to cancel and went as far as committing to providing an enforced security detail consisting of VIP Protection etc. to ensure his safety concerns are put to ease, however, our attempts did not bear any desirable outcomes. We therefore would like to send sincere apology to all our patrons and Kabza supporters for inconvenience this may have caused." The organisers of the show have promised to replace Kabza with another well-known artist who will perform on Saturday. 

CRIME ON THE RISE IN SOSHANGUVE

Meanwhile, the South African Police Service have tried to counter the crime that is happening in Soshanguve. Last week, theyheld an Imbizo in Jukulyn, to address the issue of crime. Deputy Police Minister Cassel Mathale said government would recall some retired detectives to assist with more than 300 active crimes committed in Soshanguve's Jukulyn area. Mathale met residents and community leaders in Block X community hall, during the ministerial community imbizo where they told him and the officials they were living in fear from criminals.

Mathale said a team investigating the robberies around Soshanguve consisted of the Tshwane Metro Police Department, SAPS Crime Intelligence, Tshwane Rapid Transit and the Public Order Police.

This week, DJ Mashata died in a hail of bullets after he and his friend were shot at. He died in hospital while his friend survived and was admitted to hospital with bullet wounds.