Joy for DJ Maphorisa as assault case against him withdrawn

Popular South African music producer DJ Maphorisa, real name Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe, is a free man. The Mnike hitmaker appeared at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 25 August, where he heard that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has withdrawn the assault case against him.

This comes after Maphorisa was arrested in May this year for allegedly assaulting his actress girlfriend Thuli Phongolo at her Sandton home.

After his first court appearance following his arrest, he was granted R4 000 bail, and the former Generations: The Legacy subsequently filed a withdrawal statement. However, the NPA decided to continue with the case.

“We can confirm that the case against DJ Maphorisa was withdrawn after he lodged representations with the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions which were successful. He lodged representations, and upon studying them we then took a decision to withdraw [the charges].

“Remember that the complainant in the matter filed a withdrawal statement. So that meant we had to look into any other areas that we had to prove our case. Upon such consideration, the office of the director of prosecutions took a decision to withdraw the case,” NPA spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane said.

Earlier this month, Sunday World Maphorisa rejected the NPA’s proposal to do anger management courses before it withdraws the charges against him.

Mjonondwane confirmed at the time that the Ba Straata DJ was given the option, but rejected it.

A source said some of the reasons given by the producer extraordinaire, was that he needed to prove he was innocent because if he didn’t, he would always have the abuser tag hanging over his head.

He also said he cannot lose out on anti-gender-based violence and women empowerment gigs. The source also said that he stands to be canceled by a number of sponsors and endorsement companies should he not prove his innocence.