On Wednesday, actress and media personality, Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa, issued a statement in which she outlined the abuses she has allegedly endured from her estranged husband and popular DJ, Nkosinathi ‘DJ Black Coffee’ Maphumulo.
In the statement, Mlotshwa says that it’s important for her to not only defend herself against the “misrepresentation and counter accusations” being made, but to also put an end to the cycle of abuse she says she’s continued to face at "his commission".
“For the most part I have been silent in an effort to amicably resolve these challenges within my marriage as well as to limit the effects of a toxic environment on my growing children,” the statement says.
“However, as I have grown to realise, the cycle of abuse is ongoing and relentless as it feeds off of fear. I am no longer fearful, and it is with this renewed sense of self that I wish to recount the numerous incidents on which he has beaten, berated, rendered me broken and unworthy.”
READ MORE | Enhle Mbali files for protection order against DJ Black Coffee
She went on to say that in her marriage, she has endured gaslighting, emotional and verbal abuse, physical abuse, financial abuse and extramarital affairs. She further adds that the extramarital affairs were so severe that she was eventually admitted into a facility and treated for depression.
“The last (5) years have been filled with agony and my children have been the unfortunate witnesses to these incidents of abuse in our home,” she said before listing three incidents of abuse she alleges had taken place.
- "In 2014 at our previous residence, he struck me several times in our bedroom"
- "In 2019 after his Music is King event at our new residence, he threw a bag at my face during an argument"
- "Guests at my 33rd birthday celebration witnessed him attack me"
Since the beginning of our divorce proceedings, he has continually used intimidation and financial muscle in an attempt silence me. I stand firm in my assertions; I would never exploit domestic violence and waste the courts time for my own benefit. It is my sole wish to ensure that by me speaking out about my experience amongst so many other voices that a more determined and unbiased approach to the resolution.
As a mother to boy children, I make it my mission to model positive behaviours and ensure my children are informed about issues such as GBV, the importance of consent, respect for individuals and that they are open minded individuals who communicate and express their feelings in a positive manner.
It has never been my intention to discuss the perils and subsequent breakdown of my marriage in the court of public opinion, but I have always been pushed to defend the sanctity of the marriage and now recount the abuse in public.
I appreciate wholeheartedly the support that I have received from members of the public, civil organisations and my friends and family who have helped me overcome the hardest part of this journey and stood by me.
I hope that as a society we will stand behind victims and give them the support that they need.
This comes after Mlotshwa filed for a restraining order against Black Coffee earlier this week for allegedly assaulting her at her 33rd birthday celebration.
He went on to deny the allegations and said "I didn't do it now, and I have never done it before".
