South African rapper Mthembeni “Emtee” Ndevu has been taken back into custody after a Midrand magistrate revoked his bail over an alleged breach of a protection order involving his estranged wife, Nicole Chinsamy.
Ndevu, known for the track “Roll Up,” appeared briefly at the Midrand Magistrate’s Court on Monday in connection with allegations that he violated a 2023 protection order prohibiting him from verbally abusing Chinsamy or harassing her on social media.
He was arrested again after allegedly sending text messages to Chinsamy in which he referred to her using an offensive name. The alleged communication was considered a direct violation of the conditions attached to his bail.
Bail conditions and prior arrest
Ndevu was previously granted bail of R1,000 (South African rand) on 11 June after spending a night at the Midrand police station following an earlier alleged breach of the same protection order. His bail conditions included prohibitions on:
- Communicating with Chinsamy in any form
- Posting or publishing content about her, directly or indirectly, on social media
Public apology and relationship history
The latest court development comes just days after Ndevu publicly apologised to those affected by the ongoing turmoil in his personal life. In a social media statement, he acknowledged that he could have handled certain situations with greater “understanding, compassion and maturity” and expressed particular regret over the impact the public fallout may have had on his children.
“To my children, I am deeply sorry that they have had to witness aspects of our personal lives become public,” he wrote.
Ndevu and Chinsamy’s relationship has included a series of publicised developments. The rapper filed for divorce in April 2023 and temporarily moved out of their home, but the pair later reconciled and welcomed their third child together.
He moved into his own flat in February this year. Court proceedings remain ongoing despite reports suggesting the divorce had been finalised. Ndevu has also since entered a relationship with singer Nandi Ndathane.
The couple’s private conflict has previously spilled onto social media, with both parties making allegations of abuse and sharing images of bruises and damaged property. Earlier this year, alleged WhatsApp exchanges showed Ndevu making disparaging comments about Chinsamy and a family member while saying he was “coming home.”
Neither Ndevu’s manager, Hlubi Radebe, nor Chinsamy had responded to requests for comment by the time of publication.
