Metro FM presenter Lerato Kganyago’s husband, Thami Ndlala, is at the center of a serious legal battle after a young woman was left disabled following a violent incident at one of his residential complexes.
Alleged Assault by Caretaker
The incident, which took place on December 4, 2023, allegedly involved a caretaker or security guard, known only as Dlomo, at a Hatfield-based complex owned by Ndlalayesizwe Real Estate — Ndlala’s company.
According to court documents filed at the Pretoria High Court by Lutendo Siphuma of SL Attorneys, 20-year-old Gift Kamogelo Modisha and her friends were swimming when the caretaker confronted them.
Thami Ndlala
Modisha stated in her affidavit that the caretaker became aggressive and abusive, then physically attacked her with a wooden stick, striking her multiple times.
Severe Injuries and Hospitalisation
Modisha suffered a broken left hand, a deep head wound, and excessive bleeding, which led to her being hospitalised for five days. She now lives with permanent neurological damage, scarring, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety.
“The caretaker and/or security personnel continued seriously assaulting the plaintiff, kicking the plaintiff whilst on the floor,” she said in her affidavit. “She has been permanently disfigured and disabled.”
R10-Million in Damages
Modisha is suing both Thami Ndlala (as the second respondent) and his company, Ndlalayesizwe Real Estate (first respondent), for R10-million. She argues that the company is vicariously liable for the caretaker’s violent actions and failed in its duty to ensure tenant safety.
The breakdown of the damages includes:
R100,000 for past medical expenses
R1 million for future medical costs
R6 million for loss of earnings or earning potential
R3 million for general damages, pain, and suffering
Legal Response Pending
Ndlala and his company have been given 30 days to file a formal response to the lawsuit. As of now, there has been no public statement from Ndlala or his legal team.
The case has stirred public interest due to the severity of the assault and the high-profile names involved.
In other news – Actress Asavela Mqokiyana returns to TV after giving birth
Actress Asavela Mqokiyana is back in the spotlight after taking a year-long break to focus on motherhood. The 29-year-old star from Mount Frere, Eastern Cape, has officially joined the cast of Uzalo, one of South Africa’s most-watched soapies.
After her last appearance on Durban Gen in 2023, Asavela stepped away from the screen to welcome her child. She shared that returning to the acting scene required both mental and physical preparation. Read More
