There was drama in Johannesburg, South Africa, over the weekend, as Zimbabwean musician Tocky Vibes reportedly hid in a cold room as he played a game of cat and mouse with police details who had been sent to arrest him over a dispute with a music promoter.
Royce Mapaike set the cops on Tocky after he reportedly reneged on an agreement the two had. Mapaike claims to have financed two of Tocky’s video shoots and in turn, the musician would perform in two shows organised by him.
“We had agreed as planned and I paid for his flights, accommodation and video shoots. In return he was supposed to offer us two shows as part of the deal. Him and his management then started ducking and diving after I spent almost R30 000.
“I had no option but to take the matter to the police at Brixton Police Station after they started ignoring my calls and blocking me,” Mapaike told the H-Metro newspaper.
With Tocky scheduled for two shows in Joburg, Mapaike saw his chance to get even.
However, Tocky gave the cops the slip at Club Rampage in Kempton Park on Friday night, as he hid in a cold room while they searched high and low for him.
“Mapurisa acho anga akapusa, Tocky was hidden in a cold room and when they looked for him they could not find him until they left,” said a source.
Mapaike was still adamant he would get justice despite Tocky’s impressive Houdini act.
“It is very unfortunate that Tocky decided to run away but the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with him.
“I have all the evidence of the monies I paid him and even the footage and photos of our video shoot,” said an irate Mapaike.
“His passport has now been flagged and if he decides to come to South Africa he will get arrested at any port of entry whether airport or via Beitbridge,” added Mapaike.
However, one of Tocky’s associates said Mapaike had been trying to take advantage of the chanter.
“That guy Royce is very dishonest. He took other promoters’ money trying to cash in on Tocky. He paid just $500 and wanted to use gatetakings as part of the deal. It doesn’t work that way. Tocky is very professional and would never breach an arrangement.
“The video shoots that he is talking about he didn’t have the money and did not even pay the models that featured on those videos. Tocky himself had to pay part of the videographer’s fees,” said the associate.
