Zimbabwe police raid DJs in search of pirated music

POLICE in Bulawayo allegedly confiscated DJs' laptops last week as they embarked on a crackdown on people in possession of pirated entertainment products.

According to local media, the blitz last Thursday hit most nightspots in the city and DJs were ordered to surrender electronic devices such as laptops, USB disks and external hard drives which were suspected to contain pirated music.

Some DJs opted to pay the $20 fine instantly while the rest apparently got their laptops back two days later after paying the fine to the Licensing and Inspectorate Department at ZRP Drill hall. According to most DJs, five policemen pounced and told them that playing music from laptops was illegal as they had to play using original CDs.

Bulawayo police deputy spokesperson Assistant Inspector Abednico Ncube said they were not aware of the raid.

"It's an offence for someone to be in possession of pirated music and the fine for this is $20. However, we don't know of any operation that happened on the said day and if people's laptops were confiscated," said Ass Insp Ncube.

Nightspots that were raided according to the DJs include Pub Lagondola, Club 263, Stop Over and Copa Cubanna. Comment from Zimura could not be immediately obtained.