Popular Zimdancehall chanter Nyasha Reginald ‘Ras Pompy’ Mano has vehemently denied claims that he is romantically involved with a 36-year-old woman, a friend of his mother.
The story was published by H-Metro after the allegations surfaced in court during the bail hearing of Wesley Eroyi Shoniwa, who is facing charges of attempted murder.
However, Ras Pompy’s legal representative, Dumisani Mthombeni, has categorically refuted these claims, labelling them as “false, defamatory, malicious, misleading allegations”.
Mthombeni stated that Ras Pompy has never befriended Shoniwa and that the relationship between his client and Shoniwa’s mother is purely professional.
“Our client is 23-years-old and does not befriend youngsters like Wesley,” Mthombeni explained.
“Ras Pompy has never bedded Wesley Shoniwa’s mother as was published and alleged by your banner and story. They are not boyfriend and girlfriend as was alleged. Shoniwa’s mother works with Ras Pompy’s mother and he considers her as a mother figure to him.”
The lawyer expressed deep concern over the impact of these false allegations on Ras Pompy’s reputation and career.
“Our client has instructed us that he has received numerous calls and insults from members of the public who took with disdain his alleged conduct after reading and believing your publications as FACT and TRUTH,” Mthombeni said.
“Client bemoans the fact that your newspaper wrote a story, and rushed to publish same without even verifying the allegations by contacting him to hear his side of the story.”
Mthombeni further highlighted the damage caused by the publication of these false claims, stating that Ras Pompy has suffered public ridicule, lost a potential endorsement deal, and been forced to defend himself to his wife, in-laws, and relatives.
“Ras Pompy has become a subject of public ridicule and bad jokes on social media,” Mthombeni said.
“In equal measure, the false and defamatory allegations have reached wide and far. His wife, in-laws, relatives, stakeholders in the music industry, business associates and friends have been extremely disturbed by these false allegations. Ras Pompy has had to explain himself to his wife, in-laws, and relatives. Ras Pompy has even lost an endorsement deal and other business opportunity which he was still negotiating prior to this publication.”
The lawyer also addressed claims that the community was laughing at Shoniwa due to the alleged relationship between his mother and Ras Pompy.
“It is very false that members of their community have been laughing at Wesley over a non-existent issue,” Mthombeni stated.
“Ras Pompy asserts that Wesley has been unwell for over two years, may be suffering from a mental problem emanating from alleged substance abuse and requires urgent medical assistance before it is too late. Shoniwa’s mother and family can confirm this fact.”
Ras Pompy, through his lawyer, expressed his desire to focus on his music and farming projects, urging the publication to be more responsible in their reporting.
“Ras Pompy is determined to remain focused on his music and farming project. He implores your publication to be more considerate of his reputation, brand as an artist and deliver factual, truthful, balanced stories without needlessly defaming innocent individuals like himself. His brand has been damaged, good public image has been dealt a heavy blow and he may never recover from the prejudice he has suffered,” Mthombeni said.
The lawyer concluded by expressing hope that the publication will take the necessary steps to rectify the situation and ensure that such incidents are avoided in the future.
“It is not Ras Pompy’s intention to embarrass you and your publication; be it in court or in any public forum. It is our fervent hope that you will treat our client’s genuine concerns with the seriousness they deserve, take heed, cooperate and accordingly take remedial action promptly,” Mthombeni said.
