HARARE – Gun toting local businessman-cum-Zanu PF politician Blessed “JB” Kazembe evaded arrest following the wave of violence he unleashed at Casina Marina Harare, on April 12, around 12:45 am.
The incident left several employees and other clients fearing for their lives and welfare.
Kazembe, who aspires to be Harare’s Zanu PF provincial leader, went berserk and brandished a loaded firearm at Casino Marina security who denied him entry into the casino after a previous violent altercation he had with another client, identified as Marlon, over a gambling dispute.
Marlon, who had previously overpowered Kazembe, was however, given temporary sanctuary back at Casino Marina after the company’s security feared an angry Kazembe, who had retrieved a loaded firearm from his vehicle, would harm him.
Kazembe, in a fit of rage, forced himself back into the casino’s gambling floor, where he and five hired bouncers unleashed an orgy of violence in search of Marlon.
Eyewitnesses reported that the police called to the scene failed to arrest Kazembe after he and his hired bouncers claimed he was a member of the First Family.
Kazembe’s reign of terror at Casino Marina was also captured by the company’s security cameras.
Despite Casino Marina’s management filing a police report at Milton Park Police Station with RRB 5719052, Kazembe is still at large.
Some clients and employees recently saw Kazembe at Casino Marina raising speculation that indeed Kazembe had ties with the First Family and somewhat above the law.
National police spokesperson Paul Nyathi in an interview dismissed claims that police were selectively applying the law following the Casina Marina violence outbreak and said investigations were ongoing without fear or favour.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that the Police is investigating a case of pointing a firearm which occurred at Casino Marina, Longcheng, Belvedere, Harare on 12th April 2024.
“The case is being investigated without fear or favour and the Police is not aware that some of the parties involved are members of the First Family or anyone linked to the family,” said Nyathi.
Presidential spokesperson George Charamba in an interview said he was not aware that Kazembe was a member of the First family and that no one was above the law despite their status of family ties.
“The fact that someone is a member of the first family does not put anyone above the law.
“I don’t know him (Kazembe), I don’t need to know him, what I know is the law and the first family is about the law.
“If the law is broken the police act like they have always done, it’s an offense to brandish a weapon, yes it is an offense at law, for me that’s when the conversation begins and ends,” said Charamba.
Employees and patrons of Casino Marina who spoke with this publication expressed concern that the management of the casino had not banned Kazembe for his violent and indecent behaviour as required by company policy and procedure.
Casino Marina’s policy and protocol prohibits guests from behaving indecently or raucously, which jeopardises the security and safety of staff members and other patrons.
“How does management expect a dealer (croupier) to run games at the same table where JB (Kazembe) is playing after a violent outburst in which he assaulted employees and other clients with a loaded gun?”
“Our management appears to be unconcerned about the welfare of their employees and other clients if they do not ban Kazembe in accordance with company policy and protocols,” claimed an unhappy employee who requested anonymity.
In an interview, Casina Marina Human Resources Manager Zvisineyi Chirimuuta denied that Kazembe had been exonerated of business policies and procedures but had instead appeared at the casino to collect overdue funds.
“I want to clarify that the individual in question was indeed banned from our premises. However, he returned the following night to collect outstanding funds.
“Regarding the ongoing investigation, we are fully cooperating with the Zimbabwe Republic Police and cannot provide further comments at this time.
“Our commitment remains ensuring the safety and security of our employees and patrons,” said Chirimuuta.
Chirimuuta said Casino Marina’s management has implemented additional security measures, including armed guards, to ensure the safety and security of its employees and patrons.
Efforts to get a comment from Kazembe was futile as he did not respond to the calls and messages sent to him.
This article was originally published by News Hub Zimbabwe
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