From arrests to controversies: 5 scandals that left Mzansi's entertainment industry reeling in 2025
Monique Muller was arrested in Cape Town on an illegal firearm possession charge in October. She has since been released.
Image: Instagram.
The South African entertainment industry in 2025 was defined by a mix of legal battles, shocking arrests and reality TV shake-ups.
The divorce of Siya and Rachel Kolisi (announced in late 2024) remained a dominant topic in public discussion throughout the year. However, 2025 also saw the emergence of several new scandals.
Here are 5 major scandals that rocked the industry.
1. Monique Muller: the influencer who went from fame to infamy amid gang allegations
All eyes were on Monique Muller when she was arrested in Ravensmead, Cape Town, in October, alongside others, for illegal possession of a firearm.
What truly shocked fans was the buzz that she might be linked to a notorious gang hitman. On October 21, she made her court appearance. The case was remanded to October 30 for further investigation.
After staying quiet for a while, she returned to Instagram in November, supporting the G20 Women’s Shutdown campaign against gender-based violence.
While she advocated for a cause she had long supported, many social media users and commentators found the timing, coming shortly after her arrest on serious weapons charges, to be controversial.
Despite controversial rapper Shebeshxt's ongoing legal battles, his girlfriend, Kholofelo Moloto, shared his gig guide for the festive season.
Image: Instagram
2. Shebeshxt’s attempted murder arrest
"Ambulance" hitmaker, Shebeshxt, grabbed headlines for all the wrong reasons. He was arrested on serious charges, including two counts of attempted murder.
The trouble kicked off in October when Shebeshxt was involved in a road rage incident in Polokwane. He allegedly fired shots at another driver, leaving a 34-year-old man seriously injured.
By late November, prosecutors had added significantly more charges, including robbery with aggravating circumstances and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The case was upgraded to a Schedule 6 offence, which is reserved for serious violent crimes, making it extremely difficult for him to get bail.
His bail hearing was postponed multiple times. He remains in police custody.
It was reported that over 30 festive season bookings were at risk or cancelled because of this.
Minnie Dlamini has taken legal action against MacG, seeking R2.5 million in damages for hate speech and harassment after he made offensive remarks about her.
Image: Instagram
3. Minnie Dlamini filed a lawsuit against MacG
Earlier this year, presenter, TV producer and actress Minnie Dlamini filed a complaint against MacGyver “MacG” Mukwevho at the Johannesburg Equality Court, following a series of controversial comments he made during an episode of "Podcast and Chill" in April.
While discussing Dlamini’s breakup with Dr Brian Monaisa, MacG made graphic and derogatory speculations about why her relationships end.
MacG openly speculated that there must be "something wrong" with Dlamini, crudely suggesting that "maybe her coochie smells or something". He also labelled her a "gold digger", implying she only entered relationships for financial gain.
Most recently, MacG confirmed that he is willing to undergo gender sensitisation sessions should the court decide.
Dr Nandipha Magudumana and Thabo Bester.
Image: Instagram.
4. Thabo Bester and Dr Nandipha Magudumana vs Netflix
SA's Bonnie & Clyde dominated headlines in September due to a high-stakes legal battle with the streaming giant Netflix.
Just days before the scheduled release of the true-crime documentary "Beauty and the Bester", Bester and Magudumana launched an urgent court interdict to stop it from airing.
The series promised an "unfiltered" look at Bester’s prison escape, his life on the run with Magudumana, and their eventual capture in Tanzania.
The prisoners argued the documentary would prejudice their ongoing murder and escape trial. However, the Pretoria High Court dismissed their application, ruling in favour of public interest and media freedom.
The documentary aired as planned, and Bester and Magudumana were ordered to pay the legal costs for the application.
Nonku Williams has officially bowed out of the "Real Housewives Of Durban" reality TV show.
Image: Instagram.
5. Nonku Williams bid farewell to "The Real Housewives of Durban"
Reality TV fans were left reeling when Nonku Williams, the longest-serving and arguably most polarising cast member of "The Real Housewives of Durban" (RHOD), announced her exit from the franchise.
Williams claimed that the series often pits women against each other in a relentless pursuit of drama.
After five seasons of carrying the show, Williams released an emotional statement confirming she would not attend the season 5 reunion nor return for future seasons.
She explained that she wanted to be a better role model to her children and uphold her responsibility to herself, her faith, her children and her community.
She also mentioned that she needed to prioritise her mental health and protect her peace, and will now use her platform to spread love, kindness and positivity.