Popular South African music producer DJ Maphorisa has been released on R4 000 bail after his former girlfriend Thuli withdrew the assault case against him. The case has been postponed to 14 June for DJ Maphorisa to make representations to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
DJ Maphorisa, whose real name is Themba Sekowe, was arrested on 6 May after Thuli accused him of assaulting her at his home in Midrand. Thuli claimed that DJ Maphorisa hit her with a speaker and threw her out of the house after an argument. She also alleged that he had been abusive towards her during their relationship.
However, on 8 May, Thuli filed a withdrawal statement at the Midrand police station, stating that she no longer wanted to pursue the case. She did not give any reasons for her decision, but some sources speculated that she was pressured by DJ Maphorisa’s friends and fans to drop the charges.
DJ Maphorisa appeared in the Midrand Magistrate’s Court on 9 May, where he was granted bail and ordered to report to the police station twice a week. His lawyer said that he would be making representations to the NPA to have the case withdrawn completely.
DJ Maphorisa is one of the most successful and influential music producers in South Africa, known for his collaborations with artists such as Kabza De Small, Wizkid, Drake, and Black Coffee. He has also won several awards, including the MTV Africa Music Award for Best Collaboration in 2016.
He has not commented publicly on the assault allegations, but his fans have expressed their support for him on social media, using the hashtag #FreeMaphorisa. Some of his fans also accused Thuli of lying and trying to tarnish his reputation.
However, some activists and celebrities have condemned DJ Maphorisa’s alleged actions and called for justice for Thuli. They have also raised awareness about the issue of gender-based violence in South Africa, which has been described as a national crisis by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
