Key Takeaways
- Former Ukhozi FM presenter Siya Mhlongo was found guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm by the Durban Magistrate’s Court.
- The incident occurred in August 2024 when Mhlongo assaulted his then-partner, Njabulo Duma, with a cider bottle.
- Duma recently spoke out about the assault and their relationship with Mhlongo in an interview.
- The relationship started in January 2020, but turned toxic after six months, with Mhlongo becoming increasingly possessive and controlling.
- Mhlongo was arrested and released on R1,000 bail, and was found guilty after a year of court proceedings.
Introduction to the Case
The Durban Magistrate’s Court has delivered a guilty verdict in the case of former Ukhozi FM presenter Siya Mhlongo, who was found guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The incident occurred in August 2024, when Mhlongo assaulted his then-partner, Njabulo Duma, with a cider bottle. The court’s ruling brings an end to a year-long saga, which has seen Mhlongo in and out of court. Duma recently spoke out about the assault and their relationship with Mhlongo in an interview with Lungelo KM on the Engineer Your Life podcast, providing a detailed account of the events leading up to the incident.
The Beginning of the Relationship
Duma and Mhlongo met in January 2020, shortly before the Covid-19 lockdown. At the time, Duma was 25, while Mhlongo was 36. According to Duma, the relationship started off on a positive note, with Mhlongo making grand gestures that made him feel special. The two exchanged Instagram handles after meeting at an event, and a month and a half later, they found themselves in a relationship. As the lockdown approached, Duma decided to spend the time with Mhlongo, and they moved in together. However, things took a turn for the worse after six months, with Mhlongo becoming increasingly possessive and controlling.
The Turn for the Worse
Duma said that he started to feel like he was taking someone else’s place, as Mhlongo would constantly remind him of his past relationships. The communication between the two also became toxic, with Mhlongo becoming angry over minor issues, such as Duma not answering his phone immediately. Duma said that he did not like being policed, and the relationship became increasingly strained. Despite this, the two remained together, until the incident in August 2024, which would change everything. The incident occurred after a night out on Florida Road, Durban, when Duma blew a goodbye kiss to an acquaintance, which Mhlongo took as a sign of infidelity.
The Assault
The incident was captured on video, which circulated on social media, showing Duma with blood on his face, while Mhlongo sat in the driver’s seat, urging him to get into the car so he could take him to the hospital. According to Duma, the argument started when Mhlongo became angry over the kiss, and things escalated quickly. Mhlongo speed-dialled the acquaintance’s number and passed the phone to Duma, telling him to speak to the person. When Duma ended the call, Mhlongo smashed him with a Savanna bottle on the forehead, causing serious injury. Mhlongo was arrested and released on R1,000 bail, and was found guilty after a year of court proceedings.
The Aftermath
The guilty verdict brings an end to a long and difficult chapter for Duma, who has spoken out about the incident in an effort to raise awareness about domestic violence. Mhlongo’s guilty verdict is a significant step towards justice, and serves as a reminder that domestic violence will not be tolerated. The case has also highlighted the importance of speaking out against abuse, and seeking help when needed. Duma’s bravery in sharing his story has inspired many, and his decision to speak out has helped to bring attention to the issue of domestic violence in South Africa. Efforts to reach Mhlongo for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication, and it remains to be seen what consequences he will face as a result of his guilty verdict.
Conclusion
The case of Siya Mhlongo is a sobering reminder of the dangers of domestic violence, and the importance of seeking help when needed. Duma’s story is a powerful reminder that abuse can happen to anyone, and that speaking out is the first step towards seeking justice. The guilty verdict is a significant step towards holding perpetrators accountable, and serves as a reminder that domestic violence will not be tolerated. As the conversation around domestic violence continues to grow, it is essential that we continue to support survivors, and work towards creating a society where abuse is not accepted. By sharing his story, Duma has helped to raise awareness about the issue, and has inspired others to speak out against abuse. His bravery is a testament to the strength and resilience of survivors, and serves as a reminder that justice can be achieved, even in the face of adversity.