An intruder broke into her home and stole everything she had worked so hard for. Her pride and delight were the six South African Music Award trophies that adorned a Z-shaped stand in her house bar. Bulelwa “Zahara” Mkutukana, a Loliwe musician, tells Drum that whomever broke into her home and stole the prizes should be punished, and she wants her medals returned.
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“I don’t mind if the individual drops them off at my gate. She responds, “I want those awards back.” Zahara was away for the Easter weekend at the time of the event. “I left her house during Easter weekend and returned on Thursday, April 21,” she explains, only to discover that her bespoke stand, which holds her engraved and gold-plated medals, was empty. “The residence was not broken into. Everything was in the same place I found it. Other than the six SAMAs, the thief did not steal anything else, and I want them back.”
Zahara (South African musician) – Alchetron, the free social encyclopedia
Zahara claims that her gardener, who has worked for her since she moved into her house ten years ago, discovered the door slightly ajar and locked it, but did not enter the main house. “While I was away, he came to take care of the garden.” He claims he noticed the door wasn’t properly closed and pushed it shut. He claims he never entered the house, and she claims, “I don’t understand how he could have done so when all the doors were locked.”
I want my awards back!’ – Zahara devastated about six stolen SAMAs trophies | Drum
“The SAMAs are saddened by the break-in at Zahara’s house,” says spokesperson Lesley Mofokengs. “We wish her well at this time and that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he adds. “We understand how much the SAMAS meant to her, and we are honored to be affiliated with such a talented artist.” The fact that crime has reached this level and that people are stealing trophies that mean so much to the artists is quite upsetting. The trophy is a symbol of her dedication, and we sincerely hope the trophies are returned and the preparators are prosecuted.”
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Zahara claims she has never had a break-in or suspects anyone after living on the same estate for over ten years. “The complex is extremely secure. On occasion, I have slept with the doors open or with the windows open. I’m aware that there are a few residents in the complex who dislike me. They’ve done some strange things in the past, but I don’t believe they’d go so far as to break into my home and steal my prized possessions.”
Zahara had a falling out with one of her neighbors in 2020, who accused her of violating lockdown level 3 rules by allegedly hosting multiple guests at her home. “The same neighbor installed cameras in front of my house, invading my privacy.” The cameras were fixed after I reported the problem. I’m not claiming he’s the one. However, I assert that no break-in occurred at the complex. He’s never liked me, and my presence on the estate has never pleased him. “I’m not leaving, and that has to set in.”
Zahara claims that people close to her know she is kind and hospitable, but that no visitors are permitted in her home when she is not around. “Having visitors over is one of my favorite things to do. My house is where I create music and interact with a large number of people. My house was definitely a target, and the people in the complex need to answer. The security at the main gate is tight, no one reported a break-in, and no one reported a break-in. They sent me footage of my gardener going through the gate for 48 hours and nothing else.” Zahara has filed a report with the Honeydew police station, which has taken a statement and is investigating the situation; Drum has seen the statement, which confirms the theft.