Popular entertainment promoters DJ Fantan, DJ Levels and Dammer have been freed on Z$10,000 bail after a High Court judge acceded to their bail appeal.
Dj Fantan (Arnold Kamudyariwa) Levels (Rodger Tafadzwa Kadzimwe) and Dammer whose real name is Simbarashe Chanachimwe were released on bail on condition that they report every fortnight to a given police station and reside at given address until the matter is finalised.
The trio were arrested January 4 for contravening section 5(3) of thr S.I 77 2020 for participating in a gathering in violation of Covid-19 regulations.
Harare magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti had sentenced them to six months in prison each.
Related Story
DJ Fantan, Dammer and Levels seek jail release on bail pending appeal
Judgement has been reserved after three music promoters jailed over a New Year’s Eve gig which breached Covid-19 regulations applied to the High Court for bail pending appeal against their sentences.
Arnold Kamudyariwa, popularly known as DJ Fantan; Tafadzwa Kadzimwe, also known as Levels and music promoter Dammer, born Simbarashe Chanachimwe, were sentenced to 12 months in prison by Harare provincial head magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti last week. She conditionally suspended six months of the sentence.
Tafadzwa Hungwe, a member of the trio’s legal team, told ZimLive on Friday: “Their appeal has been heard before Justice Davison Foroma at the Harare High Court, but judgement was reserved.”
Lawyer Dumisani Mthombeni submitted the trio’s appeal on Wednesday. The lawyer told the court that the three men were not going to abscond if granted bail, asking the court to weigh favourably that they surrendered themselves to the police and cooperated well during court proceedings in the lower court where they entered guilty pleas.
“It is submitted, with due reverence, that the applicants harbour no intentions of absconding from justice,” said Mthombeni.
“During investigations and at court, the applicants were highly and exceptionally cooperative; as such an inference of them absconding if granted bail cannot be sustained in the circumstances,” he argued.
The trio staged a party attended by thousands of people outside Matapi Flats in Mbare.
Prosecutors equated their actions to attempted murder, charging that the gig was a coronavirus super-spreader event.
Health minister and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, in a statement on Friday, referred to the gig for the first time.
“It’s unfortunate that some of our people continued to defy lockdown measures., as we might have noticed in Mbare, where some errant youths decided, in their own wisdom or lack of it, to organise a musical showcase,” Chiwenga said.
“If all our people maintained a positive attitude towards measures to combat the coronavirus, there was not going to be any need for imposition of a national lockown.”
Info News
Home Equity Loan vs. HELOC: Which Option Is Better?
Homeowners who have built equity may be able to borrow against their home through a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit, commonly called a HELOC. Both options use the home as collateral, but they work differently.
rnrn
A home equity loan provides a lump sum of money that is repaid over a set term with regular monthly payments. Many home equity loans have fixed interest rates, which makes payments predictable. This can be useful for one-time expenses such as a major home improvement project, debt consolidation, or a large planned purchase.
rnrn
A HELOC works more like a credit card. The lender gives you access to a line of credit, and you can borrow as needed during the draw period. HELOCs often have variable interest rates, meaning the payment can rise or fall over time. This flexibility can be useful for ongoing projects or uncertain expenses.
rnrn
The main advantage of a home equity loan is stability. You know how much you borrowed, what your payment is, and when the loan will be paid off. The main disadvantage is that you receive the full amount upfront, even if you do not need all of it immediately.
rnrn
The main advantage of a HELOC is flexibility. You can borrow only what you need, when you need it. The main risk is that variable rates can make payments unpredictable. Some borrowers may also be tempted to keep borrowing, which can increase debt.
rnrn
Before choosing either option, consider the risk. Because the loan is secured by your home, failure to repay could put your home at risk. Borrowing against home equity should be done carefully and for a clear financial purpose.
rnrn
Compare interest rates, fees, repayment terms, draw periods, closing costs, and whether the rate is fixed or variable. Also ask whether there are annual fees, early closure fees, or minimum withdrawal requirements.
rnrn
Home equity borrowing may make sense for improvements that increase property value or for consolidating high-interest debt with a clear repayment plan. It may not be wise for unnecessary spending or short-term lifestyle purchases.
rnrn
The best option depends on your goals. Choose a home equity loan if you need a fixed amount and predictable payment. Choose a HELOC if you need flexible access to funds over time.
rnrn
Before borrowing, compare lenders and review the full cost carefully.
rn
The Evolution of Education in the Digital Era
Education has undergone major changes due to advances in technology and digital learning systems. Traditional classrooms are increasingly being complemented by online learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and educational applications that provide students with flexible access to information and academic resources.
rnrn
One of the biggest advantages of digital education is accessibility. Students from different parts of the world can access quality educational content through the internet regardless of geographical location. Online courses, video lectures, and digital textbooks allow learners to study at their own pace while balancing work and personal responsibilities.
rnrn
Technology also supports personalized learning experiences. Artificial intelligence systems can analyze student performance and recommend customized study materials based on individual strengths and weaknesses. Teachers use digital tools to simplify grading, improve communication, and enhance classroom engagement.
rnrn
However, digital education also presents challenges. Limited internet access and lack of digital devices remain barriers for many students, particularly in developing countries. Excessive screen time and reduced face-to-face interaction can also affect learning experiences and social development.
rnrn
Despite these challenges, experts believe technology will continue transforming education globally. Investments in digital infrastructure, teacher training, and online learning systems are expected to improve educational opportunities and support future workforce development.
rn
