Veteran kwaito musician and record label executive Arthur Mafokate has allegedly taken his former girlfriend, singer Cici, to court in a fresh legal dispute that has once again placed their troubled past under the spotlight. Mafokate is reportedly suing Cici for R1.5 million, claiming that she caused serious damage to his reputation and career through shocking allegations she shared on social media.
According to reports, Mafokate argues that the posts made by Cici portrayed him in a highly negative light and led to public outrage, professional setbacks, and reputational harm. He maintains that the statements published online were false and misleading, and that they have continued to follow him years after the end of their romantic relationship. The kwaito star believes that the allegations not only affected his personal life but also had long-term consequences for his standing in the music industry, where public image plays a significant role.
Cici previously accused Mafokate of physically abusing her during their relationship, including claims that he almost killed her. These allegations sparked widespread debate across South Africa, with many social media users and public figures weighing in on the matter. At the height of the controversy, Mafokate faced intense scrutiny, and the case became one of the most talked-about celebrity legal battles in the country.
However, Mafokate insists that the accusations are untrue. He has stated that he was found not guilty in an earlier court case related to the abuse claims, and he argues that this outcome proves that Cici’s statements were defamatory. In his view, the continued circulation of the allegations has unfairly painted him as an abuser, despite the legal findings in his favour. This, he claims, is the basis for his decision to seek financial compensation through the courts.
The ongoing dispute is not the first legal confrontation between the former couple. Since their highly publicised breakup in 2017, Mafokate and Cici have reportedly been in and out of court, with each legal battle reopening old wounds and drawing renewed public attention. Their relationship, once celebrated in the entertainment industry, has since become synonymous with controversy, legal drama, and bitter accusations from both sides.
For Cici, the allegations she made in the past were framed as her truth and a reflection of what she claims to have experienced during the relationship. Her supporters have previously praised her for speaking out about alleged abuse, arguing that many victims remain silent due to fear and power imbalances. On the other hand, Mafokate’s supporters argue that false accusations can be equally damaging and that individuals who are cleared by the courts deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives without being haunted by unproven claims.
As the matter heads back to court, it is expected to reignite public debate around gender-based violence, defamation, and the role of social media in shaping public opinion. The case also highlights how deeply personal disputes can become national conversations when they involve high-profile figures.
Whether the court will rule in Mafokate’s favour or dismiss the claim remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the long-running feud between Arthur Mafokate and Cici is far from over, and its outcome may set an important precedent for how defamation cases linked to social media allegations are handled in South Africa.
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