South African Authorities Seek Extradition of Zimbabwean Musician Malloti Over 2017 Armed Robbery
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that Zimbabwean musician and social media personality Malloti is being sought in connection with a robbery involving a firearm. Authorities are reportedly taking steps to secure her extradition from Zimbabwe to South Africa so she can face charges. The Western Cape SAPS spokesperson, Captain F.C. Van Wyk, told Independent Online (IOL) that the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court had issued a warrant of arrest for a suspect identified as Namatai Bhobho. Zimbabwean state media, including the government-owned The Herald, previously reported the musician’s legal name as Millicent Tsitsi Chimonyo in separate court proceedings in Harare. SAPS has not publicly confirmed whether the two names refer to the same individual, leaving the matter unclear to the public.
Captain Van Wyk explained that the accused is wanted on charges of robbery with a firearm and that the case had been removed from the court roll until she could be traced and arrested. He added that the case file has been handed over to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) after authorities received information suggesting that the suspect is currently residing in Zimbabwe. The DPP’s office is now responsible for making arrangements to locate the accused and coordinate her extradition back to South Africa. Police emphasized that removing the case from the roll is standard procedure when a suspect cannot be found, but no additional details about the alleged robbery have been released. The ongoing efforts highlight cooperation between South African and Zimbabwean authorities in pursuing cross-border criminal matters.
Documents obtained by IOL indicate that the matter is related to Rondebosch case number CAS 78/11/2017, suggesting that the alleged crime occurred in 2017. SAPS has issued a wanted notice naming Namatai Bhobho in connection with the armed robbery investigation in the Western Cape. Authorities stated that the case remains pending while awaiting the suspect’s arrest and that law enforcement continues to follow leads to locate her. No further information about the circumstances of the alleged robbery has been made public, leaving many questions about the incident unanswered. The case has drawn attention due to Malloti’s public profile as both a musician and a social media personality.
Malloti is a Zimbabwean national who previously lived in South Africa before returning to her home country. She remains active in entertainment, maintaining a visible presence as a dancehall artist and social media figure. Despite the legal issues surrounding her, she continues to engage with fans across various platforms and participate in music events. Her ongoing visibility has kept her in the public eye and added a layer of interest to the extradition proceedings. The outcome of the extradition process will determine whether she faces trial in South Africa for the 2017 armed robbery allegations.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as they pursue her extradition, highlighting the challenges of cross-border legal cases involving high-profile individuals. Cooperation between South African and Zimbabwean law enforcement agencies will be crucial to ensure that the legal process is followed and that justice is served. The case underscores the importance of international collaboration in handling criminal matters that span national borders. Meanwhile, Malloti’s fans continue to follow updates on her career and legal situation. The next steps in the extradition and legal process are expected to be closely watched by both the public and the media.
