Actress Phumeza Shoba Files for Divorce, Accuses Singer Mnqobi of Cheating and Abuse
The 11-year-long marriage of actress Phumeza Shoba and house music star Mnqobi Shoba is unravelling, with allegations of infidelity, emotional abuse, and a looming divorce settlement that could see the singer part with a hefty sum.
Sources close to the couple told Sunday World that Phumeza has already instructed her lawyers to file for divorce after walking away from the marriage in July. The actress, known for her role in Sokhulu and Partners, reportedly accused Mnqobi—who rose to fame with the hit single Uyangicomela alongside Shana—of adultery and psychological abuse.
According to insiders familiar with the couple’s struggles, Phumeza initially sought to separate amicably but claims her efforts were ignored. “That made things worse because Phumeza felt that he did not take her efforts to part ways amicably seriously, and as a result, she would not settle for mediation once she had kick-started the divorce,” said one source.
The breakdown of trust appears to have been the final blow. “Phumeza said Mnqobi cheated on her, and that was the last straw that broke the camel’s back. She tried to forgive him but she found it impossible because he had betrayed her trust. You see, when you cheat, other women can forgive you, but Phumeza is unfortunately not one of those,” added another informant.
Clashes Behind Closed Doors
Those close to the couple revealed that tension in the marriage had been brewing long before the infidelity allegations surfaced. “They differed a lot about how a marriage should exist. They also could not meaningfully or constructively engage in a conversation about it,” said one source.
Their frequent quarrels reportedly eroded any chance of harmony, leaving their relationship fragile even before the cheating claims came to light.
Despite the collapse of their union, some hope remains that the estranged couple could reach common ground. “We just hope that it does not get messy because they still live together even though Mnqobi is currently out of the country. He leaves the country between April and October every year, and we hope that when he returns they will find each other and resolve their differences,” a source said.
Divorce Demands
Should the divorce proceed, Phumeza is said to be seeking a fair share of the marital estate. The couple tied the knot in 2014 under an out-of-community-of-property-with-accrual agreement, meaning assets acquired during the marriage are subject to division.
The estate reportedly includes luxury vehicles, among them a Porsche and a Volvo SUV. Phumeza is also demanding R45 000 per month in spousal maintenance and an additional R5 000 for the upbringing of their partially blind child.
“She indicated that she would want them to equally share the residue of their estate,” a source explained, emphasising that her demands are linked to the lifestyle and assets they built together.
Silence from Mnqobi
Attempts to reach Mnqobi for comment were unsuccessful. Phumeza, when approached, denied the split outright, saying, “No it’s not true.” However, insiders maintain that legal preparations for divorce are already underway.
The revelations mark a painful chapter in what was once considered a celebrated union between two prominent figures in South Africa’s entertainment industry. While Phumeza has reportedly made peace with her decision, friends and insiders hold onto hope that the pair may yet find a way to resolve their differences—though signs point firmly towards a courtroom battle
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