South African rapper Mthembeni “Emtee” Ndevu is back home after spending 16 days behind bars following an alleged breach of a protection order involving his estranged wife, Nicole Kendall Ndevu, formerly Chinsamy
The “Roll Up” hitmaker appeared at the Midrand Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, where his bail application was heard. The court ultimately granted him bail of R2,000, allowing the rapper to leave custody while his legal battle continues.
Emtee’s bail had previously been revoked on 17 August after he was accused of violating a protection order obtained by his estranged wife in 2023. The order restricts him from verbally abusing or harassing her, including through social media.
According to the latest court proceedings, Emtee maintained that he had not deliberately intended to violate his bail conditions. In an affidavit presented to the court, the rapper said he had been living at his permanent residence in Kyalami and had no plans to leave the country.
He also explained that his continued detention was affecting his ability to work and earn an income. As an entrepreneur and recording artist, Emtee said he needed to support his three children as well as his parents.
The rapper told the court that he had no previous convictions, pending cases or outstanding warrants. He acknowledged the existence of the protection order but maintained that the circumstances surrounding the alleged breach had changed.
Emtee also said he had taken steps to prevent further contact with his estranged wife. He told the court that he had purchased a new cellphone, changed his numbers and no longer had her contact details.
As part of his bail application, the rapper undertook not to interfere with the investigation or attempt to evade the legal process. He also agreed not to contact state witnesses.
The defence informed the court that Chinsamy had indicated that she wanted to withdraw her complaint. However, the state opposed the withdrawal, citing the nature of the allegations.
The matter was subsequently postponed to 10 September 2026 to allow the defence to submit further representations.
Although Emtee has been released, his freedom comes with strict conditions. He is prohibited from contacting Chinsamy except when communication is necessary regarding their children. He is also forbidden from threatening her.
This is not the first time this year that the rapper has spent time in custody over the same protection order. In June, he spent a night behind bars after allegedly breaching the order and was later released on R1,000 bail.
His latest arrest came after his bail was revoked following allegations that he sent WhatsApp messages to Chinsamy, despite conditions preventing communication between them.
Before his latest court appearance, Emtee had also publicly apologised to his children and supporters over the highly publicised personal conflict.
With the rapper now back home, attention will turn to his next court appearance on 10 September, when the legal proceedings are expected to continue.
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