The glitz and glamour of social media stardom often mask the harsh realities faced by many influencers. This is starkly illustrated in the case of Ritz Mcleish, a prominent Zimbabwean social media personality with a substantial following across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Mcleish’s story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the potential pitfalls of unprotected sex and the devastating consequences of alleged abandonment and abuse.
Mcleish, who boasts over 40,000 followers on TikTok alone, recently revealed a deeply personal and distressing account of her experiences. She alleges that a relationship that began online ended with her being impregnated and subsequently abandoned by her boyfriend, Dave (real name Slag Kasimu), leaving her to grapple with the challenges of single motherhood.
The relationship, which started via a connection on TikTok, progressed rapidly, leading to cohabitation at Kasimu’s farm in Banket. However, the idyllic image quickly crumbled. According to Mcleish, disagreements regarding the child’s birthdate led to Kasimu demanding DNA tests, ultimately culminating in the termination of their relationship and his alleged abandonment of her and their child.
The consequences of this alleged abandonment have been severe. Mcleish now finds herself struggling to provide for her five-month-old child, facing significant financial hardship and emotional distress. She openly expresses regret over her involvement in social media, citing the current difficult circumstances as a direct result of her online presence.
“To be honest with you, I regret going on social media because of the miserable life I am living,” she stated, highlighting the stark contrast between her online persona and her current reality.
She detailed the alleged abuse and subsequent abandonment: “Dave seduced me, impregnated me and dumped me leaving me struggling to look after his baby. I learnt about his abuse when I was already pregnant, he took me to his sister’s place and later dumped me in Banket where I gave birth to his son.”
The alleged abuse extended beyond physical abandonment. Mcleish claims that Kasimu has subjected her to verbal abuse, using derogatory language and even urging her to kill the baby. His alleged callous disregard for the child’s well-being is evident in his reported statements: “He is saying that he never planned to have the baby, and the baby is as good as nothing to him and he cannot look after the baby.”
Following the alleged abandonment, Mcleish sought refuge with her aunt in Mhondoro, navigating the complexities of her situation within the context of her parents’ adherence to the Jehovah’s Witness faith. Determined to seek justice, she has vowed to pursue legal action against Kasimu.
Kasimu’s sister, Eunice, offered a contrasting narrative, defending her brother and questioning the validity of Mcleish’s claims. Eunice stated that she cared for Mcleish during her pregnancy and that Kasimu doubted the paternity of the child despite the baby’s light skin tone resembling his own. She also mentioned that they considered DNA testing but ultimately decided against it.
“We had plans to take the baby for DNA tests but later we felt it was a waste of money and time. That baby must be someone’s if Ritz is to tell the truth,” she claimed.
Currently residing with a friend in Harare, Mcleish’s situation is precarious. Her friend described the alleged abuse and neglect from both Kasimu and his sister, emphasising the urgent need for support.
The stark reality of their situation is evident in the friend’s words: “Imagine that we are washing sanitary pads and just four baby clothes. Eunice and Dave have been sending vulgar messages insulting Ritz and neglecting the baby. That is evil, abusive and heartless, to say the least, and we are appealing for help.”
