South African producer DJ Maphorisa was arrested on Sunday afternoon for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, Thuli Phongolo.
UPDATE: DJ Maphorisa made a brief appearance at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court, where he was released on R4 000 bail. His accuser and girlfriend, Thuli Phongolo, has since withdrawn the assault charges, the court learned in a statement.
DJ Maphorisa allegedly assaulted Thuli Phongolo over her phone
As reported by News24, the incident allegedly occurred at Phongolo’s apartment in Sandton, Johannesburg, at approximately 12:00 on Sunday, 7 May 2023, and was reported to police later that day.
According to Phongolo, the altercation began when she confronted Maphorisa about their previous night’s argument during his booked gig.
“I was at my place of residence with my boyfriend, Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe, better known as DJ Maphorisa. I confronted him so that we can talk about our argument, which happened the previous night during his gig,” Phongolo wrote in her statement.
What started out as a couple’s quarrel quickly escalated into violence, Phongolo said, with Maphorisa allegedly slapping and punching her repeatedly in the chest.
“He held me and took me to the balcony, and grabbed me aggressively by my neck,” she said.
The Generations actress further informed police officers that the entire time, Maphorisa allegedly had her phone and she had to take repeated elbow jabs to her chest to get it back.
After Phongolo got her phone back, she called her manager, who accompanied her to the police station to file a domestic violence report. The police noticed serious bruises on Phongolo’s neck and took her statement, where she detailed how Maphorisa had also bruised her chest, arms, and right cheek.
This is not the first time the couple has had a heated argument.
According to sources in the music industry, Maphorisa and Phongolo allegedly had another fight in early December 2022, allegedly over accusations of infidelity. There was also another violent encounter between the two lovers last month, but the incident was not reported to the police.
Maphorisa has been charged with assault and is expected to appear in court on Monday.