Mysterious light in Bulawayo causes stir

BULAWAYO residents have for the past week been bemused by a klieg light that leads people to the Private Lounge in the city centre.

The searchlight, which was switched on last Wednesday, is situated atop Cecil Hotel.

According to residents, it can be seen piercing the night sky from as far off as Gwabalanda, Cowdray Park, Burnside, Hillside, Pumula, Entumbane and Mahatshula suburbs.

On Monday and Tuesday evening when the sky was partly overcast, the light was seen moving in the clouds from east to west.

As a result, most residents are concerned as they think it is a freak of nature. Others spend hours on end in awe as if they are watching the solar eclipse.

One resident actually called The Chronicle's offices earlier in the week reporting that there was a strange light in the sky.

"There's a strange light in the sky. It's moving from east to west. I'm surprised . . . please help me so I also inform my neighbours who are equally clueless," said the caller.

Another caller who also declined to be named thought the light was a moving cloud.

"I'm in Bradfield and I'm seeing a lit cloud moving from east to west. What is it? I think there's something going on and the authorities should be alerted," said the caller.

One resident mistook the searchlight for an unidentified flying object (UFO).

"There's a UFO in the sky and its hovering over Bulawayo. I can see it when I'm here in Hillside. It's moving from right to left," said the resident.

Some bizarrely thought the light was a signal that the world was coming to an end.

"I've been spotting a strange light hovering in the far end to the east of Bulawayo Centre. I don't know what it is but I suspect that it's some form of a sign of the end of times," said Thandeka Mlilo from Cowdray Park.

Another resident from New Lobengula who identified himself as Khumalo said he drove following the light which led him to Private Lounge.

"I got to the lounge and asked why there was a light there. They told me I was not lost and needed to go downstairs to get answers to all my questions."

Private Lounge proprietor – Biggie Chinoperekwi said the "unusual" light was in fact a harmless searchlight which they are using to market the new lounge as well as direct patrons.

"The klieg light is mainly used by international night clubs. Its purpose is to direct those who've never been to our place to easily locate us as all they need to do is look up and follow the light and before they know it, they'll be right by the door," Chinoperekwi said.

He said they had received numerous reports from the police saying residents had been questioning them about the light.

"We've had reports from the police telling us that residents are saying it's a superstitious light. People should not be alarmed by the light but instead follow it whenever they see it as it will be signalling that good things have begun," Chinoperekwi said.

The club owner challenged other clubs to follow suit and erect similar lights in order for their patrons to locate them easily.

"We're happy to be setting the trend in Bulawayo and we'll be happier if other nightclubs start using the light too."