Popular gospel singer Darlington Mutseta, better known as Mambo Dhuterere, is reportedly no longer living with his pregnant wife, Dorcas Vambe (widely known as Mai Dhuterere), and their four children.
The artist, who recently performed in the UK over the Easter weekend and is currently attending the SAMA Festival, is said to have vacated the family’s rented home in Harare. Sources close to the couple claim the separation has been ongoing for a while.
When approached for comment, the gospel musician refused to discuss the matter, telling H-Metro, “Don’t mind them,” before urging the publication to disregard the allegations.
The last public acknowledgement of his wife came in November 2024 when he shared a birthday message calling her “Queen” on social media.
Meanwhile, those close to the situation say Mai Dhuterere is battling emotional distress as she tries to care for their children alone while preparing to give birth. The family is reportedly under financial strain and still has not developed their residential stand.
Speaking in a weary voice, Mai Dhuterere confirmed the separation. “I’ve kept quiet for the sake of my health. I don’t want stress to affect my pregnancy. It’s true he moved out. But I don’t have the strength to fight. The kids miss him, and I’m just praying he’ll return to his senses,” she shared.
Known for being private and reserved, she admitted to silently enduring emotional hardship in hopes that their marriage would improve.
“Only a few people know what I’ve endured. I didn’t want to go public, but I’ve reached my limit. I still love him as the father of my children, but I can’t take the abuse anymore,” she said, cutting the interview short due to upcoming travel.
A family insider revealed that the couple’s troubles had been simmering for years. “It’s a sad situation. He left her heavily pregnant and with four kids. No one’s been able to reach him since.”
The source also alleged that tensions escalated when Mambo Dhuterere learnt of his wife’s latest pregnancy. “Things went downhill fast. He blamed her for things going wrong in his career, even saying she was the reason he missed out on a car deal with Sir Wicknell Chivayo.”
The couple’s relationship reportedly worsened further after Mai Dhuterere was arrested in December 2024 over fraud allegations involving a failed vehicle import deal worth US$16,000. That incident, according to insiders, dealt a serious blow to the marriage.
To make matters worse, she recently fell victim to a house burglary, during which her laptop and phone were stolen. Her passport was later found dumped in the yard. “She’s been living in fear ever since,” said a source, noting the home still has a broken window from the break-in.
With mounting responsibilities, Mai Dhuterere has started selling detergents to make ends meet.
In 2023, Mambo Dhuterere opened up about his mental health struggles. Amid cheating rumours and reports that his wife had briefly relocated to Botswana, he admitted to battling depression in a Facebook post.
“Have been turning down bookings and invitations—some have been disappointed in me… Forgive me. I’m down mentally, emotionally, and spiritually depressed… Just need a little while to pick myself up. I WILL BE BACK. In God we trust…” he wrote.
