Amapiano Star Tebogo G Mashego Detained After Public Outbursts and Alleged Violent Behaviour
South Africa's Heritage Day took an unexpected turn when rising Amapiano star Tebogo G Mashego, the 23-year-old artist behind the hit song "Biri Marung," was taken into custody by police in Tshwane.
The dramatic arrest, captured in video clips showing four police officers restraining a struggling Mashego, quickly spread across social media, sparking widespread discussion and concern.
The events of Heritage Day followed a week of volatile social media activity from Mashego, during which he aired grievances against the music industry that propelled him to fame.
After a turbulent tour in Nigeria, the Tshwane-born TikTok sensation returned home, alleging that promoters had left him stranded and pleading with fans for financial assistance to cover his flight expenses.
Accusations and Allegations Against Amapiano Figures
In a series of Instagram Live broadcasts, Mashego made several accusations against prominent figures in the Amapiano scene. He alleged that he was being deprived of his royalties, demanded R23 million from Scorpion Kings DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, and made unsubstantiated claims regarding witchcraft, money rituals, and the personal lives of other artists.
Mashego's anger escalated to the point of issuing threats, stating, "I’ll f** up Phori and unalive him."
The Amapiano community responded with a mix of shock and concern to these claims. While DJ Maphorisa remained silent, Scotts Maphuma expressed sympathy for Mashego, stating, "I feel sorry for him … the allegations aren’t true." Tyler ICU called for calm, and Young Stunna posted a cryptic video that was met with criticism.
Police Intervention and Conflicting Reports
The situation reached a head on Heritage Day when police intervened. Initial reports suggested that Mashego was arrested for crimen injuria (defamation) and potentially other serious offences, with some sources hinting at firearms, a hit-and-run incident, or threats against a minor.
However, late on Wednesday night, the Department of Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security issued a statement clarifying that Mashego had not been formally arrested.
The statement read: “Tebogo G Mashego has not been arrested. The information received indicates that he displayed abnormal behaviour and allegedly acted violently, assaulting people without apparent cause."
The statement continued, “Laudium SAPS [SA Police Service] members were summoned to the scene and, in the interest of public safety, had to forcefully remove him from the community as he was visibly resisting.”
As of now, no charges have been confirmed against Mashego.
Questions Raised About the Music Industry
Regardless of the specific circumstances surrounding Mashego's detention, the incident has brought to light critical issues within the music industry.
Beneath the surface of viral hits and sold-out festivals lie potential problems such as exploitative contracts, unpaid royalties, and the immense pressure that young artists face as they navigate fame.
Mashego's current situation remains uncertain. It remains to be seen whether this incident will serve as a turning point or a necessary reset for the young artist.
Follow Us on Twitter
