Prominent South African influencer and beauty entrepreneur Mihlali Ndamase has found herself at the center of a troubling controversy. The star recently posted now-viral photos showing a bruised lip and a bruise on her forehead, captioned, “Thank you, my angel. @leeroy_mab.” These images have ignited a firestorm of allegations against her boyfriend, businessman Leeroy Sidambe.
In a public statement released just two hours ago, Sidambe vehemently denied any wrongdoing, offering his version of the events. “I, Dumezweni Leeroy Sidambe, would like to address recent allegations that have surfaced on 04 August 2024 regarding gender-based violence against my partner, Mihlali Ndamase,” his statement began.
Sidambe’s detailed account paints a different picture from what the photos suggest. He claims that on the night in question, he had fallen asleep and missed 78 calls from Ndamase. According to him, Ndamase arrived at his residence and allegedly attempted to confront him with a knife after believing he had been unfaithful. “Mihlali then came to my bedroom as I was asleep to confront me for being unfaithful and attempted to stab me, of which I then protected myself by pushing her away from me resulting in her sustaining her injuries as she made contact with the wall,” Sidambe stated.
Sidambe also claimed that his son witnessed the altercation and intervened. He further alleged that Ndamase has a history of physically assaulting him, especially when under the influence of unspecified substances. “It is important to note that there is a plethora of witnesses, my children and bystanders, who can attest to me not ever laying a hand on her during or after any altercations but always deflecting and defending myself accordingly,” he wrote.
In an attempt to support his claims, Sidambe posted a screenshot of the 78 call logs from Ndamase on social media. He concluded his statement by expressing his willingness to cooperate with any inquiries to clear his name and restore his reputation.
The public reaction to these developments has been swift and divided. Supporters of Ndamase express concern for her well-being, while Sidambe’s supporters emphasize the importance of hearing both sides before rushing to judgment.
This incident underscores the complexities of relationships in the public eye, especially when they become entangled in serious allegations. As the story unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the delicate nature of personal disputes and the far-reaching impact of social media. Both parties face a challenging road ahead as they navigate this deeply personal and very public conflict.
