Brickz Eyes Freedom: Kwaito Star Could Soon Face Parole After Serving Half of 15-Year Sentence
Kwaito musician Sipho Ndlovu, popularly known as Brickz, may soon find himself before the parole board after serving half of his 15-year prison sentence for rape.
Once a household name in South Africa’s music scene, Brickz’s career came crashing down in 2017 when he was convicted of raping a teenage girl. The Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court handed down a 15-year sentence, marking a dramatic fall from grace for the artist who had once dominated the charts and won the coveted Best Album at the 2006 South African Music Awards for Face-Brick.
Now, eight years into his sentence, sources close to the star claim he is optimistic about his chances of parole and is preparing for what could be the beginning of a new chapter.
‘He is excited about the possibility of freedom’
According to those familiar with his situation, Brickz has been keeping his spirits high behind bars.
“He is very excited at the possibility of being a free man after being incarcerated for eight years. He has been keeping his hopes up and being positive about his situation, but he hasn’t given up on life. He believes he will get a second chance to live the life he once lived or even a better one. He is a devout Christian now,” one source revealed.
The “Sweety My Baby” hitmaker, who is also affectionately known as MaBrigado, is said to have embraced religion, music and rehabilitation during his time in prison.
“He continues to make music even behind prison walls. He knows that good behaviour is of paramount importance in parole hearings, so he has been in a good spot and avoids conflict at all costs. He is always in good spirits and has made peace with his situation, but he is hoping that it will change soon. He is a changed person and has forged a different path for himself,” a second source explained.
A model inmate with big plans
Parole eligibility depends on several factors, including time served and behaviour. Correctional Services rules allow offenders to be considered after completing at least half of their sentence.
Sources say Brickz’s conduct in prison has strengthened his case. “He gets on well with other inmates, and his record of good behaviour will work in his favour. If granted parole, he plans to stay on the straight path and avoid any situation that could lead him back behind bars,” said another insider.
The star reportedly intends to rebuild his life with a focus on stability and redemption. “He realises that what he did has set his life back in so many ways. He hasn’t been able to enjoy his life the way he wanted to. Should the parole board rule in his favour, he will make major changes in how he lives and works going forward,” the third source said.
Special remission left him out
In 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa approved a special remission for thousands of non-violent offenders in a bid to ease severe overcrowding in South Africa’s prisons. Over 9,400 inmates were released, with an additional 15,000 people already under correctional supervision or parole benefitting from the programme.
However, Brickz was excluded from the initiative. The programme specifically ruled out sexual offenders, meaning the musician had to continue serving his sentence despite the overcrowding crisis in Correctional Services facilities.
The Department of Correctional Services has consistently emphasised that parole is not automatic, but a structured process handled by case management. Spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo confirmed this, saying:
“Inmates are considered for parole placement after serving the required time. It is a process that will be initiated by Case Management at the right time.”
In South Africa, parole is a conditional release granted after an offender serves a portion of their sentence, not a right, and is dependent on the offender’s rehabilitation and merit.
Waiting for the board’s decision
As Brickz waits for the parole board to set a date – possibly later this year – his case has already attracted public interest. While some see the possibility of his release as a chance for rehabilitation and reintegration, others remain critical given the gravity of his crime.
For now, the former kwaito star is holding on to hope that good conduct and eight years behind bars will be enough to earn him a second chance outside prison walls
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