Mthokozisi pours cold water over assault charge
“Drunk” Idols finalist accused of beating up young woman
If claims that Idols SA runnerup Mthokozisi Ndaba allegedly assaulted a young woman prove true, it would not be the first time the competition has had “a bad boy”.
Neo Tsele‚ 20‚ laid a complaint with the Hillbrow police on Saturday after she claimed Ndaba assaulted her at a friend’s Braamfontein flat at about 1am.
Tsele told the Sunday Times that Ndaba had allegedly become violent with her after she and her friend began arguing.
She also claimed Ndaba was intoxicated and mishandled her despite pleas from her and her friend for him to stop.
“He only stopped when he saw his hands were full of blood.”
She suffered injuries to her mouth and forehead.
Late on Saturday, Ndaba responded to the allegation via a WhatsApp voice note.
He claimed he had cancelled his return to KZN on Saturday.
“I’m also surprised. I waited at the police station waiting for her to come and show herself‚ who she is and where did she meet me but she didn’t show up.”
Ndaba also sent pictures of himself posing with two policemen at what appears to be an airport satellite booth.
However, he claimed it was evidence that he was at the police station.
“I cancelled my flight home. I’m not leaving Johannesburg until this thing is over.”
Idols experienced a similar situation six years ago when contestant Freddie van Dango was involved in a dramatic situation. Van Dango, who was eliminated in the Top 4, sustained a broken cheekbone after a scuffle at a club in Greenside, Johannesburg.
The Idols contestants were given a night out to enjoy themselves when an allegedly intoxicated Van Dango was punched in the face.
M-Net at the time described his situation as “an incident of violence”.
Regarding Ndaba’s incident, Mzansi Magic’s publicist Nondumiso Mabece said the channel and Idols SA were aware of social media posts of an alleged incident that took place on Friday.
“We have, however, been unable to contact Mthokozisi who has travelled back to KwaZulu-Natal.
“Mzansi Magic and Idols SA condemn any acts of abuse.”
The alleged incident comes a week after Ndaba lost the Idols title to 17-year-old Paxton Fielies and reportedly had to receive “assistance” to deal with his emotions.