HARARE - A popular radio and TV presenter suspended for announcing on radio that President Robert Mugabe is of Malawian origin has returned to work.

Hazvinei Sakarombe, widely known as DJ Chilli, is back at State broadcaster Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings and sources say it has to do with Mugabe’s mercy.

According to well-placed sources, Mugabe recommended that authorities “forgive” the DJ and reinstate her.

Another radio personality, Star FM presenter Nokhutula Vuhla, popularly known as Blackbird, who was also forced to resign over the same reason, was also pardoned by Mugabe but she is not back at work, a source said.

Sources say Star FM authorities are yet to decide whether to ask her to return or not.

Both ZBH and Star FM are tightly controlled by government.

DJ Chilli and Blackbird got in the crossfire after announcing in separate broadcasts that Mugabe originated from Malawi, infuriating officials. This was during Mugabe’s birthday commemorations.

ZBH spokesperson Sivhukeli Simango confirmed that Sakarombe was back at work.

“I can confirm Hazvinei is back at work. I cannot comment about Blackbird since she is not employed by ZBH but by Zimpapers,” said Simango.

Admire Taderera, Star FM general manager refused to give details.

“I don’t want to comment on the matter but I can refer you to the programmes manager Tich Matambanadzo as I don’t deal with those issues,” said Taderera.

Efforts to get a comment from Matambanadzo were fruitless.