Sandra and Selmor, daughters of the late music icon Oliver Mtukudzi, have opened up about the abuse they suffered from their stepmother, Daisy Mtukudzi, during their childhood. Their revelations followed an emotional moment at the Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of the Arts at Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton, where Selmor broke down on stage during her performance. Initially excluded from the lineup, public outcry led to her inclusion in the event.

Daisy has since responded to the claims, expressing shock and describing Selmor’s breakdown as dramatic and disrespectful. However, Sandra and Selmor’s accounts offer a glimpse into the harsh realities of their upbringing.

In a candid interview on the DJ Ollah 7 podcast, Sandra shared painful memories, including being left out of family activities and even sharing meals with the family dog. She recalled, “We were excluded from everything. From a young age, we were left behind while others went on holiday, only to be told to clean the house before they returned.”

Sandra also described being sidelined during a family party. “We were all invited, and I was excited, but on the day of the event, only Sam and Samantha were allowed to go. I was left behind to do laundry.”

She revealed further mistreatment when it came to meals. “Our dog, Kwanai, would be given sadza, and that’s what I was served too, while others enjoyed rice,” Sandra explained.

In one of the most distressing revelations, Sandra recalled being abandoned in Kwekwe at the age of 16 while the rest of the family secretly relocated to Norton. Both sisters admitted to communicating with their father in secret because Daisy restricted their contact with him.

Their brave confessions have sparked conversations about the emotional scars such experiences can leave, particularly for those in blended families. As the public continues to grapple with these revelations, the spotlight falls on the need for empathy and understanding within family dynamics.