South Africa’s entertainment industry is no stranger to drama, and over the years, certain incidents involving female celebrities have taken center stage—none more scandalous than those that led to their lovers being arrested.
Whether due to allegations of abuse, fraud, or violent altercations, these high-profile cases have garnered massive media attention and sparked public debates about the nature of relationships in the spotlight.
From heated altercations to complicated personal dynamics, here’s a closer look at the Mzansi female celebrities whose relationships have been marred by their lovers’ arrests, and how these incidents shaped their public personas.
1. Enhle Mbali and Black Coffee: A Storm of Allegations
One of the most publicized celebrity breakups in South Africa was that of actress Enhle Mbali and renowned DJ Black Coffee (Nkosinathi Maphumulo). Their relationship was once celebrated as a power couple of South African entertainment, but it turned toxic amid allegations of infidelity and emotional abuse.
In 2020, Enhle Mbali accused Black Coffee of domestic abuse, and the incident took a more dramatic turn when reports emerged suggesting that she had filed a police report against him for assault.
Though Black Coffee did not face any formal charges, Enhle Mbali’s public claims sparked a massive outcry and led to public scrutiny of Black Coffee’s behavior.
In addition to the allegations, Black Coffee’s ex-wife had also been involved in a legal battle concerning their divorce, with Enhle Mbali accusing him of withholding funds for the upkeep of their children and refusing to sign divorce papers.
The emotional fallout from their turbulent relationship resulted in Black Coffee facing significant backlash, with public sentiment largely sympathizing with Enhle Mbali.
This case highlights the complexities of celebrity relationships, where private issues often become public spectacles.
Though Black Coffee’s arrest did not occur directly due to the abuse allegations, the controversy surrounding the couple’s breakup and the accusations were enough to keep both their names in the headlines for months.
2. Lady Zamar and Sjava: A Love Triangle that Ended in Courtroom Drama
Lady Zamar and Sjava‘s relationship was another that sent shockwaves through the entertainment world.
The two had a seemingly perfect relationship until allegations of abuse arose in 2019. Lady Zamar accused Sjava of physically abusing her during their time together, which culminated in her publicly opening up about the emotional and physical toll the relationship had on her.
She accused him of forcing himself on her sexually and emotionally manipulating her, which led to a police investigation.
Although Sjava denied the allegations, claiming that their relationship ended on mutual terms, the story didn’t end there. The fallout from the allegations was significant—Lady Zamar’s career suffered due to public backlash and online abuse, while Sjava was also temporarily tarnished by the accusations.
The legal proceedings brought the tension between the two to a public forefront, but as of now, no charges have been pressed against Sjava.
The case drew attention to the darker side of the entertainment industry and served as a reminder of the power imbalance that can often exist in celebrity relationships.
It also sparked national conversations around consent, abuse, and how victims of abuse are treated in the public eye.
3. Babes Wodumo and Mampintsha: A Relationship Defined by Controversy
The tumultuous relationship between Babes Wodumo and Mampintsha (from the group Big Nuz) was one of the most widely covered in the South African media.
In 2019, Babes Wodumo made headlines when she went live on Instagram with disturbing footage of Mampintsha physically assaulting her.
The viral video caused public outrage, with many calling for Mampintsha to be arrested and face the consequences of his actions. Babes Wodumo later filed charges of assault against Mampintsha, and the legal drama played out in front of an audience of millions, as the public witnessed their complicated, often toxic relationship unfold.
Despite the charges, the couple later reconciled, shocking many of their fans and the public.
Their relationship remained in the headlines, with Babes Wodumo defending Mampintsha, even after his arrest. Mampintsha was eventually granted bail, and the assault case against him became part of the larger conversation around abusive relationships in the entertainment industry.
The Babes Wodumo-Mampintsha saga is a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of toxic love and the complications that arise when public figures are involved in abusive relationships.
The case remains one of the most notorious in Mzansi’s celebrity history, leaving fans divided over the couple’s fate.
4. Amanda Du Pont and Jub Jub: A Bitter Breakup and Allegations of Abuse
Actress Amanda Du Pont and rapper Jub Jub (Jub Jub, real name Molemo Maarohanye) had a well-publicized, yet deeply troubled, relationship. Their breakup was marked by a bitter feud and explosive allegations of abuse, with Amanda Du Pont claiming that Jub Jub physically abused her during their time together.
In 2021, Amanda Du Pont came forward with more serious allegations against Jub Jub, stating that he had sexually assaulted her while they were in a relationship. The accusations were made public during an interview on a South African talk show, and the allegations quickly gained widespread media attention.
Jub Jub was already known for his controversial past, including a conviction for reckless driving that led to a prison sentence in 2012. His past made the public’s reaction to Amanda Du Pont’s allegations even more intense, with many calling for justice to be served.
Jub Jub responded by denying the allegations, but the case brought renewed attention to his criminal history and the questions surrounding his conduct in relationships. While no formal arrest was made based on Amanda Du Pont’s recent allegations, the controversy surrounding their past relationship has significantly impacted Jub Jub’s public image and career.
5. Masechaba Khumalo and Her Husband: Domestic Disputes and Legal Consequences
Masechaba Khumalo, the former Metro FM presenter, also found herself in the headlines following an explosive breakup with her ex-husband, who was arrested after a violent altercation at their home. While Masechaba herself was not the direct cause of the arrest, the incident shed light on the volatile nature of her relationship.
The publicized fight, which occurred in 2019, led to her ex-husband’s arrest after Masechaba accused him of assaulting her during an argument.
The media coverage of the case sparked discussions on domestic violence, particularly in high-profile relationships where the emotional and physical toll often remains hidden.
Masechaba has since spoken about her difficult marriage and the emotional scars left by the abusive relationship.
The arrest, along with the subsequent media attention, brought the issue of domestic violence in celebrity relationships to the forefront, where the line between private matters and public scrutiny is often blurred.
6. Cici Twala and Arthur Mafokate: Abuse, Assault, and Legal Battles
One of the most highly publicized domestic abuse cases in South African music history was that of Cici Twala and Arthur Mafokate, a relationship that ended in scandal and legal drama.
Cici Twala, a singer and former Afro Pop sensation, accused music mogul Arthur Mafokate of physically abusing her during their relationship.
The controversy took a dramatic turn when Cici filed charges of assault against Mafokate, leading to his arrest and subsequent media frenzy.
Mafokate, known for his role in shaping the South African music industry, denied the abuse allegations, but the case caused significant damage to his reputation.
Though the legal battles continued for years, Cici’s brave decision to speak out about the abuse helped shed light on the dangers that women face in the entertainment industry.
Her courage empowered other victims of domestic violence to come forward, and the case remains one of the most significant in South African celebrity history.
7. Itumeleng Bokaba and Her Ex-Boyfriend: A Tragic Incident that Led to Arrest
Itumeleng Bokaba, a popular South African model and actress, was involved in a tragic incident with her ex-boyfriend that led to his arrest.
The altercation, which occurred in 2021, resulted in Bokaba’s ex being taken into custody after he was accused of physically assaulting her during an argument.
Although the details of the case were not widely discussed in the media, it was a reminder of the potential dangers that female celebrities can face in personal relationships.
The emotional toll of publicized violence, coupled with the criminal consequences faced by her ex-boyfriend, painted a stark picture of the challenges many women in the entertainment industry face.
Conclusion: The Price of Fame and the Price of Love
The relationships and legal issues involving these Mzansi female celebrities highlight the complexities of being in the public eye. While these women have enjoyed successful careers, their personal lives have often been clouded by controversies that have placed their lovers in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
These incidents serve as a reminder that fame can come at a heavy cost, and that domestic abuse, infidelity, and other personal struggles are often magnified when they happen under the harsh glare of the media.
For the women involved, these challenges have been an integral part of their stories—ones that have, in some cases, sparked important conversations about power, vulnerability, and justice in the public sphere.
In the end, as South African celebrities continue to navigate their personal and professional lives, their journeys provide valuable lessons about the complex intersection of fame, relationships, and accountability.
