Celebrity Breeze Bringing you fascinating stories
Related Articles
Retired Interpol ambassador and security strategist Andy Mashaile says South Africa’s prosecuting authority is unlikely to let the matter rest as it moves to pursue Zimbabwean dancehall musician Millicent Tsitsi Chimonyo, popularly known as Malloti, over a long-standing armed robbery case in the Western Cape.
Chimonyo, who has built a following both as a musician and social media personality, is wanted in South Africa in connection with a 2017 robbery involving a firearm. According to police, the case dates back several years and remains active, despite delays in bringing the accused before court.
The renewed attention on the matter comes at a time when cross-border legal cooperation between South Africa and Zimbabwe has intensified. Harare recently sought the extradition of suspects linked to the high-profile US$4 million Bulawayo heist, including the Vumbunu brothers who were arrested in South Africa. Analysts say this climate of cooperation could influence how swiftly authorities act in Chimonyo’s case.
On Monday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that the musician is wanted on a charge of robbery with a firearm. Law enforcement authorities have indicated that steps are now under way to secure her extradition from Zimbabwe, where she is believed to be residing.
Western Cape police spokesperson Captain F.C. Van Wyk said a warrant of arrest was issued in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court for an accused identified as Namatai Bhobho — a name authorities allege Chimonyo used in the province.
“The accused is wanted on 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,” Van Wyk said.
Court documents previously seen by media reveal that the matter is linked to a Rondebosch case registered in November 2017 under case number CAS 78/11/2017. The registration confirms that the alleged offence dates back nearly a decade, raising questions about how the case remained unresolved for so long.
Police have since transferred the docket to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) after receiving information suggesting that the accused is currently in Zimbabwe. The DPP is expected to initiate formal extradition proceedings through established diplomatic and legal channels.
Mashaile believes the recent appointment of Advocate Andy Mothibi as National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) signals a tougher stance on cases involving fugitives who cross borders.
“I think the NPA, with its new head, Advocate Andy Mothibi, working hand in glove with Interpol and the station that has the complaint, or through the province and senior authorities, should go out through an Interpol red notice and speak to the National Central Bureau in Zimbabwe. They must communicate,” Mashaile said in Pretoria.
He added that an extradition treaty between South Africa and Zimbabwe provides the legal framework needed to ensure that suspects do not evade justice by relocating across borders.
“I am fully aware that there is an extradition agreement between South Africa and Zimbabwe, and therefore all stops must be pulled out until Millicent Tsitsi Chimonyo — or Namatai Bhobho as she allegedly called herself in the Western Cape — is brought before a court of law,” he said.
Mashaile expressed confidence that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) would intensify efforts to secure her return. He argued that law enforcement agencies across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region have a responsibility to uphold the rule of law, regardless of a suspect’s public profile.
“These institutions must take the public into their confidence by ensuring that no one is above the law. Whether someone is on stage performing or living quietly across the border, if there are charges to answer, they must face them,” he said.
The case has sparked debate on social media, where some fans have expressed disbelief at the allegations, while others have called for due process to take its course. Legal analysts caution that until Chimonyo appears before court, the allegations remain just that — allegations.
Extradition proceedings, if formally launched, could take time. Such processes often require coordination between justice departments, prosecutors, and international policing bodies such as Interpol. However, with diplomatic ties between Pretoria and Harare currently active on other criminal matters, observers say there may be political will to ensure reciprocal cooperation.
For now, the focus remains on whether South African authorities will issue an Interpol red notice and formally request Zimbabwe to detain and surrender the musician. If successful, she would be brought back to the Western Cape to stand trial on the 2017 armed robbery charge.
Mashaile insists that under Mothibi’s leadership, the prosecuting authority will act decisively.
“With the NDPP at the helm, I believe this matter will not gather dust. The wheels of justice may turn slowly, but they do turn,” he said.
As the legal process unfolds, both countries will be watching closely — not only because of the celebrity status involved, but also because the case may serve as a test of regional cooperation in tackling cross-border crime.
