2025: Scandals That Rocked South Africa's Entertainment Scene
The South African entertainment industry in 2025 was a tumultuous landscape, marked by legal wrangles, shocking arrests, and dramatic shifts in the reality TV sphere. While the highly publicised divorce of Siya and Rachel Kolisi, which began in late 2024, continued to dominate headlines, a series of fresh scandals emerged, captivating the nation.
Here are five of the most significant scandals that shook the industry to its core:
1. Monique Muller: From Influencer to Infamy Amid Gang Allegations
Monique Muller, the influencer, found herself at the centre of a storm when she was arrested in Ravensmead, Cape Town, in October. The arrest, which involved other individuals, was for the illegal possession of a firearm.
Adding fuel to the fire, rumours swirled that Muller might be connected to a notorious gang hitman, sending shockwaves through her fanbase. On October 21, she appeared in court, and the case was remanded to October 30 for further investigation.
After a period of silence, Muller returned to Instagram in November, publicly supporting the G20 Women’s Shutdown campaign against gender-based violence. While this was a cause she had long championed, many social media users and commentators criticised the timing of her advocacy, given her recent arrest on serious weapons charges.
2. Shebeshxt's Attempted Murder Arrest
Controversial rapper Shebeshxt, known for his hit "Ambulance", made headlines for all the wrong reasons when he was arrested on serious charges, including two counts of attempted murder.
The incident occurred in October, when Shebeshxt was allegedly involved in a road rage incident in Polokwane. He allegedly opened fire on another driver, leaving a 34-year-old man with serious injuries.
By late November, prosecutors had significantly escalated the charges against the rapper, adding robbery with aggravating circumstances and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The case was upgraded to a Schedule 6 offence, a classification reserved for serious violent crimes, making it extremely difficult for Shebeshxt to secure bail.
His bail hearing was postponed on multiple occasions, and he remains in police custody. The arrest has reportedly put over 30 of his festive season bookings at risk of cancellation. Despite his legal woes, Shebeshxt's girlfriend, Kholofelo Moloto, continued to share his gig guide for the festive season.
3. Minnie Dlamini Files Lawsuit Against MacG
Presenter, TV producer, and actress Minnie Dlamini initiated legal action against MacGyver “MacG” Mukwevho earlier this year, filing a complaint at the Johannesburg Equality Court. The complaint stemmed from a series of controversial comments made by MacG during an episode of his "Podcast and Chill" show in April.
While discussing Dlamini’s breakup with Dr Brian Monaisa, MacG made graphic and derogatory speculations about the reasons behind the relationship's end. He openly speculated that there must be "something wrong" with Dlamini, crudely suggesting that "maybe her coochie smells or something". He also labelled her a "gold digger", implying she only entered relationships for financial gain. Dlamini is seeking R2.5 million in damages for hate speech and harassment.
Most recently, MacG has stated that he is willing to undergo gender sensitisation sessions should the court mandate it.
4. Thabo Bester and Dr Nandipha Magudumana vs Netflix
The infamous duo of Thabo Bester and Dr Nandipha Magudumana, often dubbed South Africa's Bonnie & Clyde, dominated headlines in September due to a high-stakes legal battle with the streaming giant Netflix.
Just days before the scheduled release of the true-crime documentary "Beauty and the Bester", Bester and Magudumana launched an urgent court interdict to prevent its airing. The series promised an "unfiltered" look at Bester’s audacious prison escape, his life on the run with Magudumana, and their eventual capture in Tanzania.
The pair argued that the documentary would prejudice their ongoing murder and escape trial. However, the Pretoria High Court dismissed their application, ruling in favour of public interest and media freedom. The documentary aired as planned, and Bester and Magudumana were ordered to cover the legal costs of the application.
5. Nonku Williams Bids Farewell to "The Real Housewives of Durban"
Reality TV fans were taken aback when Nonku Williams, the longest-serving and arguably most polarising cast member of "The Real Housewives of Durban" (RHOD), announced her departure from the franchise.
After five seasons on the show, Williams released an emotional statement confirming that she would neither attend the season 5 reunion nor return for future seasons. She explained that she wanted to be a better role model to her children and uphold her responsibility to herself, her faith, her children and her community.
Williams also cited the need to prioritise her mental health and protect her peace. She stated that she will now use her platform to spread love, kindness, and positivity. Williams claimed that the series often pits women against each other in a relentless pursuit of drama.
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