Bongowood sweetheart Elizabeth ‘Lulu” Michael is finally tasting freedom after six months in prison.
The popular actress was last November convicted for manslaughter of former Bongo Movie Star Steven Kanumba and sentenced to two years in the pen.
The late Kanumba died on April 7, 2012, at Sinza Vatican areas in Kinondoni District after a quarrel with the actress, with whom he was reportedly in a romantic relationship with.
But on Saturday, May 12, Elizabeth Michael was set free on a lesser punishment. She is one of 3,319 prisoners who were pardoned by President John Magufuli as the nation commemorated the 54th anniversary of the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar in April.
Her two-year sentence was reviewed by the High Court in Dar es Salaam which noted that Lulu had reformed during her time in prison.
According to Tanzania’s Prison Law, a prisoner (except a prisoner facing execution and life) is eligible for a pardon of a third of their sentence.
“So, the prisoner 1086/2017 Elizabeth Michael, famous for the name of Lulu, received the pardon and had to be released on March 12, 2019,” reads a statement by the Department of Prisons.
Confirming the release, Tanzania’s Correction Communication Officer Lucas Mboje said, “Lulu amebadilishiwa adhabu na ameachiwa juzi Jumamosi kati ya saa 2 hadi 3 asubuhi. Hii si kwamba ameachiwa huru, bali amebadilishiwa adhabu na atatumikia kifungo chake nje, kitaalamu tunaita community service.”
After her sentencing in November, Lulu declined to appeal the decision saying it was God’s will.
“Sipingani na maamuzi ya Mungu, haya ni maamuzi yake na nimekubaliana nayo. Ana makusudi yake kunipa hiki kilichotokea leo. Acheni miaka miwili siyo mingi, sitaki kupingana na mahakama , naheshimu maamuzi ya mahakama, acheni nitumikie kifungo changu,” Lulu.
