In a surprising twist that has gripped the South African entertainment scene, Amapiano heavyweight DJ Maphorisa has reportedly come to the rescue of embattled event organiser Thulani ‘Way’ Maduse, following his recent arrest for an alleged assault.
According to reports, Maduse was taken into police custody after an altercation involving Lesley, a road manager and promoter, who allegedly suffered injuries while trying to reclaim a R15,000 debt owed to him. Lesley claims he was attacked by Maduse’s bouncers during the confrontation, leaving him with a swollen foot and requiring ongoing medical attention.
The incident escalated into a formal police case when Lesley opened a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, leading to Maduse’s arrest. While initial details were murky, Briefly News confirmed through anonymous sources that Maduse was indeed arrested and detained.
Amid the chaos, DJ Maphorisa—often hailed as the “Father of Amapiano”—allegedly intervened to bail out Maduse, a move that has since divided public opinion. Though the exact amount used for bail remains undisclosed, Maphorisa’s involvement has been interpreted by many as both a show of solidarity and a bold stance in the tightly-knit Amapiano industry.
The news has stirred mixed reactions online. Some fans praised Maphorisa for looking out for a fellow contributor to the Amapiano movement, while others questioned the wisdom of publicly supporting someone facing serious allegations. Neither Maphorisa nor Maduse have officially addressed the situation on their social media platforms.
When contacted for comment by Briefly, Maduse denied knowing Lesley, responding simply: “Who is that?” This response only fueled speculation, especially after a source claimed Maduse has a pending assault case from a previous club altercation.
The arrest also comes on the heels of tensions between Maduse and Mr JazziQ, prompting further speculation about the ripple effects this could have on relationships within the Amapiano industry.
With questions still swirling and legal proceedings likely to follow, one thing is clear—DJ Maphorisa’s bold move to support Maduse has only added more intrigue to an already heated situation. Whether this support will prove wise or problematic remains to be seen.