From death row to redemption: The extraordinary story of Godden Matanga
PATIENCE MUSA
In a world where second chances are rare—and grace even rarer—the story of Godden Matanga reads like a divine intervention scripted for the broken and the forgotten.
Once branded a murderer and condemned to death, Matanga’s life took a miraculous turn behind prison walls, and this week, his incredible journey is finally being told in a new biography titled “Handpicked – The Godden Matanga Story” by Canada-based Zimbabwean author Ndakaiteyi Magunda Siriya.
Matanga’s story begins in darkness. Convicted for murder and sentenced to death, he spent years on death row alongside notorious criminals like Chidhumo and Masendeke.
Classified as a high-level offender, he was considered beyond redemption—a man for whom the system had already written the final chapter.
But everything changed one ordinary day when a discarded piece of newspaper—used by a prison guard to wrap food—found its way into Matanga’s cell.
On that scrap was an article titled “Precious Stones”, written by Dr. Rutendo Faith Wutawunashe.
In it, she spoke about Christ’s power to transform even the most shattered lives.
One line in particular ignited something deep within him: the idea that even a murderer could be forgiven.
Desperate for answers, Matanga asked to write to Dr. Wutawunashe. His letter posed a soul-piercing question: “Could Christ also forgive someone like me?”
That question became the turning point in his life.
Dr. Wutawunashe responded by sending her secretary to visit him in prison. That visit led to prayer, conversations, and ultimately, Matanga’s decision to surrender his life to Christ. He began to read the Bible, to pray earnestly, and to hope again—quietly, humbly.
Then came the unthinkable.
One morning, Matanga was called to the office of the head of prisons. He feared the worst—that his execution date had come.
But instead, he was told something unprecedented: the President had issued a pardon. He was being released from death row. Not a group pardon. Not a policy shift. Just him.
His release stunned even the prison officials.
In the years since, Matanga has committed his life to sharing his story—not to boast, but to give hope. “I promised God that I would save many lives in place of the one I took,” he says.
“I am proof that grace exists, and that it can find you—even on death row.”
Author Magunda – Siriya, whose biography of Godden was released this month, says writing the book was a deeply emotional journey.
She had always dreamed of writing a book, though her original plan was to write about something entirely different.
But when she heard Matanga’s story, she felt compelled to make his story the focus of her first book. That decision sparked not just a creative project, but a profound bond between them.
As they worked together, Matanga would send her messages, long emails, and heart-wrenching voice notes recounting his life and spiritual transformation. Magunda-Siriya says there were moments she couldn’t even write—instead, she would find herself in tears, overwhelmed by the pain and redemption in his voice. The process of documenting his journey was, in her words, “a heartbreaking ride,” but one that ultimately deepened her sense of purpose as a writer and a human being.
Handpicked- is more than a biography—it’s a message to those who feel unworthy, unforgiven, or unseen.
It’s a reminder that no one is too far gone, and that even the most broken life can be rebuilt.
Matanga walks free today—not just as a man released from prison, but as one redeemed by faith. His past no longer defines him. His purpose does.
The book “Handpicked – The Godden Matanga Story” is available now on Amazon. To hear more, visit the ZFM Stereo YouTube account and look out for the full interview with both Matanga on Backstage with Patience Musa.
