For some time now, entertainment events have become systematic prey ground for criminals who pounce on unsuspecting fun-lovers.
In the course of enjoying performances from their favourite artists, the unfortunate ones part with their prized possessions such as cellphones, handbags, wallets and some even have their vehicles boggled.
Leading these theft raids are street children, commonly known as ‘Masikini’. It is common knowledge that the conduct of masikini has become a worrying factor in our cities. These seemingly harmless youthful gangs unleash terror that has never been seen before.
Not long ago, I wrote on the same issue of calculated thefts during events. It is sad to note that the cases and manner of execution have only gotten worse. The number of cases of theft and attacks reported after a single event are so alarming.
It is very clear that wherever these street urchins operate from, they stay there waiting event organisers to announce their next event so they can descend on the venue and make a killing out of it.
It has now become harder for event organisers to counter the threat regardless of how many security agents they engage. Many of the attacks are now being concentrated on the outside of the perimeter as patrons make their way into the venues.
As the hired security personnel focus on the developments inside the venue, people outside are losing their prized possessions. This is a sad and unfortunate development.
No matter how huge the task has become to quell this growing threat, event organisers need to sit down and come up with a strategy to arrest this vice once and for all. It must be hard to convince a one-time victim to leave their home and attend another event in the future when there are no guarantees about their safety.
And it is unfortunate that these thefts are heightening at a time when Malawians appear to be offering support by turning up for entertainment venues. Even the corporates have shown consistent support towards the creative industry.
However, the sustainability of this momentum hinges on a number of factors and security within the premises is one key factor. The idea to attend an event is for one to relax and enjoy. Walking back home while carrying some injury and some of your items missing does not form part of that idea.
And the fate of the fun-seekers is compounded further because most of the victims are attacked after they have had a drink or two. It is almost impossible to mount any defence or sustain a self-awareness of some sort when in that state.
It is a situation the masikinis know very well and do their best to exploit it to the maximum. The masikinis need to be stopped. The earlier the better.
And then…
Last week, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences Business Communication first year student Grivin Black found himself in the limelight, albeit for not so pleasant reasons.
The student was trolled online because of his apparent broken English and poor public speaking skills during a public lecture hosted by Minister of Labour Vitumbiko Mumba.
Following that debacle, a public speaking training institution Tvents Consult saw an opening. The firm, through its founder and director Chisomo Mwamadi offered to provide English language and public speaking lessons to Black.
The gesture by Mwamadi is a demonstration of how some people see opportunities where others only see a window to ridicule others and make them feel small.
Among those who aimed jibes at Black, are plenty who cannot handle themselves on such platforms. But because they did not raise a hand, we will never know how deep their deficiencies also lie.
Black’s situation got public attention because he showed exceptional courage to make himself heard at such a platform. Now he has the chance to acquire lessons that his friends desperately miss and require. For all the flak he got, the 19-year-old is the biggest winner.
