From Love Interest to Assault: DJ Maphorisa’s Mayhem with Thuli Phongolo

South African DJ Maphorisa, whose real name is Themba Sekowe, made headlines on May 7, 2023, after being arrested for assaulting his girlfriend, actress Thuli Phongolo. It has since been revealed that the attack was over a love interest.

According to reports, the altercation between the couple began at a club where Phori, as DJ Maphorisa is also known, was performing. The next day, Thuli confronted him about the issue, which led to him losing his temper and physically attacking her. He allegedly slapped, punched, and strangled her.

After the incident, Thuli opened a case of gender-based violence against Maphorisa, resulting in his arrest. However, she later withdrew the case, and her boyfriend was released on R4 000 bail.

A source close to the couple spoke to Sunday World and revealed that Maphorisa attacked Thuli because of a man at the club who was showing interest in her. Apparently, the man had bought expensive drinks at the table where Thuli was sitting and had made advances towards her. He even promised to send her R40 000 on the spot to show off.

This reportedly angered Maphorisa, who felt that he does a lot for Thuli and saw the man’s actions as disrespectful. His anger reportedly escalated into a tantrum, which then led to the assault when they got home.

It’s worth noting that Thuli was reportedly made to open the case by her mother. However, she later regretted it and tried to withdraw it on the same day as the incident. She arrived at the police station when Maphorisa was arrested and attempted to have the case withdrawn so that he could go home. However, the police refused to comply with her request.

The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many people calling for Maphorisa to be held accountable for his actions. Some have even called for a boycott of his music, which has been popular in South Africa and other African countries.

Gender-based violence is a serious issue in South Africa, with high levels of rape and domestic violence. According to a report by the South African Police Service, there were over 53,000 reported cases of rape in the country in 2021, an increase of 1.5% from the previous year.

The country has also seen a rise in femicide, with many women being killed by their partners or ex-partners. In response, the government has introduced various measures to tackle gender-based violence, including the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.

However, many people feel that more needs to be done, and incidents like the one involving Maphorisa and Thuli highlight the urgent need for change. Celebrities, in particular, have a responsibility to set a positive example and speak out against gender-based violence.

In a statement released after the incident, the South African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) expressed its concern and condemned any form of violence against women. The organisation also called on its members to promote gender equality and respect for women.

It remains to be seen what the long-term consequences of the incident will be for Maphorisa’s career and personal life. However, it’s clear that his actions have caused significant harm to Thuli and have highlighted the need for greater awareness and action to address gender-based violence in South Africa.