Concerns Mount Over Selmor’s Safety Amid Fears of Possible Poisoning at Upcoming Oliver Mtukudzi Festival

By Shelton Muchena | ZimEye | As tensions escalate ahead of the Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival in South Africa, fears have emerged that Selmor Mtukudzi, daughter of the late musical icon, could be at risk of poisoning by jealous individuals at the event. This alarming concern follows a public family feud in which Selmor was initially excluded from the festival by her stepmother, Daisy Mtukudzi, raising eyebrows and triggering widespread speculation over possible malicious intentions.

Daisy Mtukudzi’s decision to leave Selmor off the guest list sparked a wave of public outrage. Fans and musicians alike questioned the motivations behind the move, interpreting it as a personal attack that further fractured the already tense family dynamics. After several days of social media campaigns calling for Selmor’s inclusion, Daisy eventually reversed her decision, reinstating her stepdaughter as a performer at the festival.

Daisy Mtukudzi’s Statement (After Reversing Her Decision) was: “After reflecting on the feedback and understanding the deep emotional ties that the festival represents, I have decided to reinstate Selmor as one of the featured artists. Our family may have disputes, but our love for music and my husband’s legacy must prevail.”

However, despite this resolution, concerns have now shifted to Selmor’s safety. Friends and associates fear that the public fallout with Daisy could make her a target of jealous or ill-intentioned individuals at the event. The possibility of poisoning—a common method of eliminating rivals throughout history—has surfaced as a particularly disturbing threat.

Historically, jealousy and rivalry have often led to acts of poisoning at high-profile events. Several notable cases highlight the danger faced by public figures in similar situations:

1. Alexander Litvinenko (2006) – The former Russian spy was poisoned with radioactive polonium-210 during a meeting in London. While political motives were largely suspected, personal vendettas were also considered in the mix of reasons behind his assassination.
2. Yushchenko Poisoning (2004) – Viktor Yushchenko, a Ukrainian politician and presidential candidate at the time, was poisoned with dioxin during a dinner. His disfiguring illness was linked to political rivalry and power struggles, showcasing the extreme lengths some may go to sabotage opponents.
3. Pope Clement VII (1534) – Poisoning has long been a tool for eliminating rivals. Pope Clement VII was allegedly poisoned at a banquet, with many suspecting political and jealous rivals within the church were responsible for his sudden illness and death.
4. Georgi Markov (1978) – The Bulgarian dissident and writer was assassinated in London by a poisoned umbrella tip, believed to be ordered by the Bulgarian secret service, with jealousy and political rivalries playing a role in the plot.
5. The Medici Family Poisonings (16th Century) – Several members of the powerful Medici family in Renaissance Italy were believed to have been poisoned by rivals and envious individuals seeking to seize power or settle personal scores.

These historical cases underscore the potential threat faced by prominent figures in the public eye, especially when personal and professional rivalries are at play. With Selmor set to perform at an emotionally charged festival honoring her father’s legacy, some fear that unresolved tensions and jealousy within her family or the broader music industry could put her at risk.

As the festival draws closer, many are calling for heightened security measures to ensure the safety of all performers, particularly Selmor. Fans, friends, and loved ones are hoping the event will remain a celebration of music and culture, rather than being overshadowed by malicious acts. The Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival, scheduled to take place on September 27, 2024, in Johannesburg, South Africa, is set to honor the life and legacy of one of Africa’s most beloved musicians, but concerns about Selmor’s safety continue to cast a shadow over the festivities.-ZimEye