South African Amapiano DJ and producer Oscar Mbo has found himself at the centre of controversy after past abuse allegations resurfaced, reigniting a heated national conversation about gender-based violence (GBV), accountability, and the entertainment industry. The renewed claims were brought forward by his former girlfriend, Ursula Dlamini, who says recent events reopened emotional wounds she believed had long healed.
Dlamini, now married and a mother of two, took to her Instagram Close Friends to share screenshots and deeply personal messages detailing alleged physical abuse she claims to have suffered during her relationship with the popular DJ several years ago. She explained that although no police case was opened at the time, the trauma remained with her. According to Dlamini, watching a viral video showing a KwaZulu-Natal influencer allegedly assaulting a woman acted as a trigger, compelling her to speak out once again.
These allegations echo similar statements Dlamini made in 2023, shortly after the high-profile arrest of DJ Maphorisa. At the time, her claims gained attention but eventually faded from public discourse. Their resurfacing in 2026, however, has sparked renewed outrage and divided opinion across South African social media platforms.
As expected, many fans of Oscar Mbo have questioned the timing of the allegations, pointing to the absence of a formal police case and asking why Dlamini chose to speak out now. Others have come out strongly in her defence, arguing that survivors of abuse are not bound by timelines or legal processes when sharing their experiences. GBV advocates have also weighed in, highlighting how trauma can resurface years later, particularly when survivors are confronted with similar incidents in the media.
The debate has quickly expanded beyond the two individuals involved, with activists noting that the situation reflects a broader problem within South Africa’s entertainment industry. They argue that fame, power dynamics, and public loyalty often create environments where alleged abuse is ignored, excused, or silenced, leaving survivors to carry their pain privately.
Oscar Mbo and his management team have, at the time of writing, not issued any public response. Their silence has only intensified speculation, with the story continuing to trend on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok.
Adding further fuel to the controversy, social media users have dragged Oscar Mbo’s current partner and fiancée, Lerato Phasha, into the conversation. The couple, who welcomed their first child in 2025, frequently share family moments online. While some netizens have warned that “abusers do not change without accountability,” others have criticised the public for involving innocent parties and making assumptions based on unproven allegations.
Online reactions have ranged from messages of solidarity with Dlamini to calls for caution and fairness. Some users have praised her courage, while others have expressed discomfort with trial-by-social-media narratives. What remains clear is that the resurfaced allegations have once again forced Mzansi to confront uncomfortable questions about GBV, celebrity culture, and the long road to healing and justice.
As the conversation continues, many are calling for empathy, responsible dialogue, and a deeper commitment to addressing gender-based violence beyond fleeting online outrage.
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