In a twist that would make even the most seasoned soap opera writer raise an eyebrow, the host of Moja Love’s anti-drug show, Sizok’thola, finds himself in a legal predicament.
Xolani Maphanga, the new face of the show, along with his bodyguard and the director of Tshenolo Private Investigative Company, Bongani Mkhabela, have been charged with attempted murder and trespass. The Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court has granted them bail of R5,000.
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According to reports from Surgezirc SA, Maphanga and his crew allegedly assaulted three individuals while filming an episode of the show in Soshanguve back in March. The incident resulted in a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm being opened at the Soshanguve police station.
The National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, shed some light on the events leading up to the charges. It is alleged that Maphanga and his crew visited the complainant’s house in search of drugs they claimed she was selling.
When their search turned up empty, they reportedly resorted to violence. The woman, who is the main complainant in the case, was allegedly assaulted with a sjambok and choked, while her brother was suffocated.
Three days after the incident, the woman reported the matter to the police, prompting further investigation. Maphanga and Mkhabela surrendered themselves to the authorities on April 9, following the issuance of a warrant for their arrest.
During their bail bid, both Maphanga and Mkhabela vehemently denied committing the offences they were charged with. They sought the court’s leniency and requested to be granted bail. Surprisingly, the state did not oppose their release on bail but did request certain conditions be imposed.
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The prosecution asked the court to ensure that Maphanga and Mkhabela refrain from any form of communication, direct or indirect, with the witnesses involved in the case. Additionally, they proposed that the duo report to the closest police station once a week.
The court granted their bail request, setting it at R5,000. However, the case has been postponed until May 21 to allow for further investigations.
