Manhenga to pen book on prison experience

SINGER Duduzile Manhenga, who was recently released on bail pending appeal, has said she is writing a book on her experiences on her stay in prison for nearly two weeks.

“There are things that I noticed while I was in prison and as such, I will highlight areas that I think need to be addressed,” she said at a press conference.

Dudu said she turned down an invitation by Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Commissioner General (Retired) Major General Zimondi to perform at Africa Prisoners Day a fortnight ago because it was going to traumatise her children.

“I decided not to perform,” she said. “I had to prioritise my children. I did not want them to see their mother in such a state. I know it was going to be all over the news and it was not going to be emotionally healthy for them.”

Dudu is married to drummer Blessing Mparutsa and they have four children. The jazz sensation alleged that her “I don’t sing for the poor” sentiment which drew the ire of many music lovers in the country was taken out of context by the media.

“I think I was quoted out of context,” she said. “I sought to address the issue with media houses and I left a statement, but it was never published.”

Bishop Trevor Manhanga of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Zimbabwe who is a spiritual father to Dudu said her work showed that she has love for the poor.

“Although much has been said in the media about the purported elitist character of the singer, she participates in many community activities for poverty alleviation, people living with HIV and the protection and nurturing of the girl child,” he said.

“Currently, she is a Bible College student at Pan African Christian College in Harare and ministers at churches in different parts of the city, including communities in high density areas, working and ministering among less privileged.”

Dudu is out on bail after the High Court granted her bail pending appeal against the 18-month jail term imposed on her for culpable homicide and driving without a licence. Justice Felistus Chatukuta granted Manhenga $200 bail coupled with stringent conditions.

She was ordered to surrender her passport to the clerk of court and reside at the given address until the matter is finalised. She is also required to report once a week at Avondale police station.

Manhenga, who held a learner driver’s licence but was not under supervision, knocked down a motor-cyclist Graham Millward along Sherwood Drive in Mabelreign, Harare. The motor-cyclist later died.