Zimbabwean dancehall musician and social media personality Malloti is now at the centre of an international legal storm after the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed she is wanted in South Africa on charges of robbery with a firearm.
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| WANTED:Namatai Bhobho suspected to be Zimdancehall musician Malloti Rose is on the Western Cape SAPS WANTED list in South Africa |
Authorities have launched formal processes to have the performer extradited from Zimbabwe to face justice over a case dating back to 2017.
Western Cape SAPS spokesperson Captain F.C. Van Wyk told IOL that a warrant of arrest was issued by the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court for a suspect identified as Namatai Bhobho.
“The accused is wanted on a case of robbery with firearm after a Warrant of Arrest was issued. The case was removed from the court roll until she is traced and arrested,” said Van Wyk.
He further confirmed that the case docket is now with the Director of Public Prosecutions, which is preparing legal steps to locate and extradite the suspect back to South Africa.
Armed Robbery Case Linked to 2017 Western Cape Incident
Police documents link the warrant to an armed robbery investigation under Rondebosch case number CAS 78/11/2017 in South Africa.
Authorities say the case was temporarily removed from the court roll after investigators were unable to locate the suspect — a standard legal procedure when an accused person cannot be found.
While full details of the robbery have not been publicly disclosed, the charge carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences if proven in court.
Identity Mystery Raises Questions
Adding to the intrigue is confusion surrounding the suspect’s identity.
Zimbabwe’s state-owned newspaper The Herald has previously identified Malloti’s legal name as Millicent Tsitsi Chimonyo in separate court matters in Harare.
However, the South African warrant identifies the suspect as Namatai Bhobho. Authorities have not officially clarified whether the two names refer to the same individual.
Malloti, who previously lived in South Africa before returning to Zimbabwe, has maintained a visible public profile as an entertainer despite the outstanding warrant.
Legal Troubles and Public Controversies
Malloti’s legal challenges have not been limited to South Africa. She has appeared in Zimbabwean courts in unrelated cases, where she was granted bail.
She was also involved in a highly publicised feud with controversial Zimbabwean cleric and socialite Passion Java, which escalated into legal proceedings and intense social media exchanges.
In another controversy, Zimbabwe’s tabloid H-Metro reported allegations linking her to the recreational use of BronCleer, a banned cough syrup often abused for its intoxicating effects. The report triggered widespread debate and backlash among fans and the public.
These repeated legal battles have cemented Malloti’s reputation as one of Zimbabwe’s most controversial entertainers.
“Hiding in Plain Sight,” Says Investigative Journalist
Zimbabwean investigative journalist Maynard Manyowa, publisher of DugUp, said authorities were shocked that Malloti had remained publicly visible despite being wanted.
“Fugitives tend to hide, but this one was living openly as a celebrity,” Manyowa said.
“It’s remarkable that someone facing such serious charges could live in plain sight.”
Extradition Decision Now Lies with Zimbabwean Courts
With the case now in the hands of prosecutors, the extradition process has officially begun.
South Africa and Zimbabwe have legal agreements allowing suspects to be extradited to face charges. However, Zimbabwean courts will ultimately decide whether Malloti will be handed over to South African authorities.
If extradited, she could face trial in South Africa on armed robbery charges that have remained unresolved for nearly eight years.
This is a developing story.
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