HARARE – Zimbabwean musician and social media personality, Malloti, finds herself at the centre of a renewed legal storm as South African authorities move to extradite her in connection with a 2017 armed robbery case. The revival of this dormant case follows the appointment of a new head at South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), casting a spotlight on the complex interplay between celebrity status, past criminal allegations, and international legal processes.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that a warrant of arrest, issued by the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court under case number CAS 78/11/2017, remains active for an individual identified as Namatai Bhobho. This name, according to SAPS, is linked to the armed robbery that took place in Rondebosch, Cape Town, in November 2017. The case had previously been removed from the court roll, a procedural step often taken when a suspect cannot be located, but is now being actively pursued.
Captain F.C. Van Wyk, a spokesperson for the Western Cape SAPS, provided clarity on the ongoing efforts. “The docket is currently at the DPP’s office as they requested it after they received information that the accused is living in Zimbabwe,” Captain Van Wyk stated. He further elaborated, “The accused is wanted in a case of robbery with a firearm after a Warrant of Arrest was issued for her in Wynberg court. The case was removed from the court roll until she is traced and arrested. The DPP’s office will make arrangements for the accused to be traced and then to be extradited back to South Africa.”
Malloti, known for her vibrant presence on social media and as a dancehall performer, has openly acknowledged a “criminal past” during her time in South Africa. Through her social media platforms, she has shared narratives of repentance and a focus on her burgeoning career. However, these public confessions now stand in stark contrast to the serious charges she faces, raising questions about the extent of her past involvement in criminal activities and the implications for her public image.
One of the more perplexing aspects of the case is the discrepancy in the accused’s identity. While the South African warrant names Namatai Bhobho, Zimbabwean state media, including The Herald, has previously identified the musician as Millicent Tsitsi Chimonyo in separate court proceedings in Harare. This dual identity has led to speculation, with some suggesting it could be an attempt to evade detection or the use of a false identity. Authorities have yet to publicly clarify whether Namatai Bhobho and Millicent Tsitsi Chimonyo refer to the same individual, though reports strongly link Malloti to both names.
The renewed vigour in pursuing this case is attributed to the recent leadership change within the NPA. Advocate Andy Mothibi, who commenced his term as the NPA boss on 1 February this year, has reportedly initiated a review of various dormant criminal cases. Sources in South Africa, speaking to H-Metro, indicated that Malloti’s case is not an isolated incident. “A number of these cases are being escalated by the NPA after the arrival of a new boss there. It’s not the only one,” an anonymous source revealed. Advocate Mothibi’s background as a public prosecutor, magistrate, and director of the Special Investigative Unit, where he focused on maladministration and corruption, suggests a commitment to robust prosecution.
The notion of a wanted fugitive living openly as a celebrity has drawn considerable attention. Zimbabwean investigative journalist Maynard Manyowa, who publishes DugUp online, expressed his astonishment to IOL. “We couldn’t believe it when we first found out. We couldn’t believe it at all. Fugitives tend to hide. This one was in plain sight. Living as a celebrity. It’s why we then asked various authoritative figures. And while each of them said they were working on it, it went nowhere,” Manyowa stated. He added, “It’s phenomenal that someone can be wanted for a serious offence that carries as many as 20 years in jail but live out in the open.”
The 2017 armed robbery in Rondebosch occurred during a period of heightened violence in the area, which is generally perceived as a relatively safe suburb of Cape Town. This context adds a grim backdrop to Malloti’s alleged involvement. A few weeks prior to the incident, the region was rocked by the discovery of businessman Robin Kemper’s decapitated body under a bridge in Touws River. Kemper, the managing director of Infovest, an international software business, was reported missing by his wife after being seized at an ATM in Claremont. While two suspects were arrested in connection with Kemper’s murder, the incident underscored the prevalence of serious crime in the broader Cape Town area during that time.
Official police records from South Africa indicate a significant number of arrests during the period relevant to Malloti’s case. From 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018, a total of 1,610,782 arrests were made for all crimes across the country, with 1,123,968 arrests specifically for serious crimes. Although serious crimes saw a slight reduction of 4.3% from the previous year, the sheer volume of criminal activity highlights the challenging environment faced by law enforcement.
Beyond the South African armed robbery case, Malloti has also been involved in other legal and public controversies in Zimbabwe. In August 2025, she appeared before a Harare magistrate in an unrelated case, identified as Millicent Chimonyo, and was granted bail. This case involved a widely publicised dispute with Zimbabwean cleric and socialite Passion Java, which led to accusations of cyberbullying. Although the charges were later withdrawn, the incident further cemented her image as a controversial figure whose celebrity status frequently intersects with the justice system.
More recently, H-Metro reported on Malloti’s alleged involvement with BronCleer, a banned cough mixture often abused recreationally. The tabloid claimed she spoke openly about using the substance, triggering public debate and backlash. These various legal and public entanglements paint a picture of a celebrity whose life has been marked by a series of high-profile incidents.
With the docket now at the Director of Public Prosecutions’ office, the matter has entered the international cooperation phase. Both South Africa and Zimbabwe have established extradition arrangements, which facilitate the return of individuals facing criminal charges to the requesting country. The process, however, is subject to legal procedures in both jurisdictions. Should the extradition request proceed, Zimbabwean courts would ultimately determine whether Malloti is to be returned to South Africa to face the armed robbery charge. This developing story continues to unfold, with significant implications for Malloti’s career and legal standing.
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