The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has dismissed rumours that popular Limpopo comedian Ntambudzeni Rasendedza, better known as Mr Bundu, will be released this autumn.
Rasendedza (40), of Lwamondo village, has been behind bars since his arrest in early 2020, following violent attacks on his girlfriend. According to the DCS, he is not yet eligible for parole.
"Offender Rasendedza Ntambudzeni is not yet due for release in 2025, nor has he reached the minimum detention period to be considered for a parole hearing. His release date is classified information, which can be obtained through PAIA," said Tshidi Mapole, Regional Coordinator for Communications in the Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West Region.
In 2023, the Sibasa Regional Court sentenced Rasendedza to 10 years' direct imprisonment after convicting him of attempted murder, kidnapping and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The court heard that in August 2019, Rasendedza assaulted his girlfriend with a wooden stick and an electric cable, dripped burning plastic onto her body, and locked her in his house for two weeks. In another attack, he struck her with a stone, breaking her leg, before tearing off her clothes and leaving her naked.
Despite his conviction and fall from grace, reports of his supposed "early release" sparked excitement among some of his fans. On social media, many welcomed the rumours, saying they still loved Mr Bundu and missed his comedy, while others expressed anger and disbelief that he could be freed so soon.
The National Prosecuting Authority underscored the gravity of his crimes. "The prosecutor argued that the offence was serious and prevalent in the jurisdiction, and that direct imprisonment was necessary to deter would-be offenders," said spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi.
For now, fans will have to wait while Mr Bundu remains behind bars, serving his sentence.