HARARE - Former Star Kidz presenter Makanaka Wakatama was attacked on Facebook on Tuesday after she posted on her wall a false report claiming that music legend Oliver Tuku Mtukudzi had died.

Makanaka had apparently been hoodwinked by the rumour mill which went into overdrive after Tuku failed to fulfil some shows over the weekend. Mtukudzi failed to perform at two scheduled shows due to exhaustion triggered by his diabetic condition.

The former Star Kidz presenter posted on her Facebook wall “Rest in peace Tuku, ndarwadziwa…”

Makanaka’s post triggered a hostile reaction that forced her to pull down the post after just one hour but it had already attracted over 50 uncomplimentary responses.

After Tuku missed two shows over the weekend, speculation was rife over his health and on Tuesday there were even death rumours. The rumours of the music legend’s death prompted Tuku’s publicist Shepherd Mutamba to issue a statement.

Mutamba said the superstar’s diabetic condition from time to time causes severe exhaustion.

“On Saturday, he performed in the afternoon but could not do the evening show and Sunday’s gig as he required rest”, said Tuku’s publicist.

“He is fine now and went to the office today (yesterday) to work.”

This is not the first time Tuku has been rumoured dead on the social network, the music super star joins a long list of Zimbabwean celebrities who include Sungura ace Alick Macheso and Winky D who have been victims of these false death rumours.