‘Idols’ finalist to appear over assault
finalist Mthokozisi Ndaba, 25, was expected to appear in the Hillbrow Magistrate’s Court today over an alleged assault.
Ndaba was arrested on Thursday night and released on a warning for allegedly assaulting Neo Tsele, police confirmed on Saturday. He returned to Joburg last week.
Last weekend, images of a battered Tsele, 21, surfaced on social media.
Tsele and her friends allege that Ndaba, from Durban, assaulted her with his fists and slammed her into a wall, breaking her tooth.
Ndaba and his cousin, known only as Qhawe, had been drinking at a Braamfontein apartment with a group of women.
The two allegedly fought after Ndaba drank Tsele’s vodka, which she was saving for her birthday this month.
The singer released a statement saying he had returned to Joburg to “co-operate with the police regarding the matter”. “Inasmuch as this has affected me negatively, but let us please let our South African law handle the matter rightfully.
“I plead with Team Mthokozisi and everyone to not attack the complainant on social media,” he said, and called on his followers to take a stand against violence against women and children abuse.
Ndaba lost the Idols 2017 competition to Cape Town’s Paxton Fielies and stormed off the stage, dodging a planned media conference.