Veteran kwaito artist and music executive Arthur Mafokate has initiated fresh legal action against his former partner, singer and actress Busisiwe “Cici” Thwala, by filing a R1.5 million defamation lawsuit in the Johannesburg High Court. The case marks the latest development in a long and highly publicised dispute between the two figures, whose legal battles have spanned several years.
According to court documents, Mafokate alleges that a series of social media posts shared by Cici in September last year were defamatory and caused significant harm to his personal reputation and professional standing. The 56-year-old claims that the posts portrayed him in a damaging light, leading to emotional distress and negatively affecting his business interests within the entertainment industry.
Mafokate argues that the posts went beyond personal expression and amounted to serious allegations that, in his view, were false and malicious. Among the claims he is challenging are accusations that he assaulted Cici and nearly killed her. The posts reportedly included images, such as X-rays linked to her past pelvic surgery, which Mafokate contends were used to reinforce allegations of physical abuse.
In his legal filing, Mafokate maintains that the circulation of these posts on social media platforms exposed him to public ridicule and judgment, reviving allegations he says were already dealt with through the legal system. He further claims that the renewed attention caused by the posts resulted in lost work opportunities, strained professional relationships, and reputational damage that continues to affect him.
The lawsuit revisits a turbulent history between the former couple that dates back to 2017. In June of that year, both Mafokate and Cici laid serious accusations against one another following a highly publicised altercation. Cici alleged that Mafokate dragged her with his car, while Mafokate denied the claim and accused her of attacking him. The incident dominated headlines at the time and sparked widespread public debate about gender-based violence and accountability within the entertainment industry.
Subsequent criminal cases were opened against both parties. However, over time, each was acquitted of the respective charges brought against them. Despite the acquittals, the fallout from the dispute continued to linger, with both individuals frequently linked to the controversy whenever their names surfaced in the media.
Mafokate’s current defamation claim appears to hinge on the argument that the social media posts effectively reopened old wounds and contradicted legal outcomes that had already cleared him of wrongdoing. He contends that repeating such allegations, particularly on public platforms with wide reach, unfairly undermines the principle of finality in legal matters and perpetuates reputational harm.
The case also highlights the growing role of social media in legal disputes, especially when personal grievances are aired publicly. Mafokate’s legal team is expected to argue that online platforms can amplify damaging statements far beyond traditional media, increasing the potential for financial and emotional harm.
Efforts to obtain comment from Cici or her legal representatives have so far been unsuccessful. Mafokate, for his part, has declined to comment publicly on the matter, opting instead to allow the legal process to unfold through the courts.
The defamation claim is currently before the Johannesburg High Court, where proceedings are ongoing. It remains to be seen how the court will weigh issues of freedom of expression, reputational harm, and the historical context of the former couple’s legal battles.
As the case develops, it is likely to draw renewed public attention, given the high-profile nature of both parties and the broader conversations in South Africa around domestic disputes, public accountability, and the legal consequences of social media allegations.
