In a dramatic twist in the ongoing legal battle between rapper Mthembeni “Emtee” Ndevu and his estranged wife Nicole Chinsamy, the latter has formally requested the withdrawal of the assault case against him, only to be met with resistance from the State, which insists on pursuing the matter. Chinsamy appeared before the Midrand Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, where she informed the court that she had filed a withdrawal application, expressing a desire to close the chapter and move on with her life.
“I made the decision to withdraw the case. I’d like to close this chapter and move on with my life,” Chinsamy told the court, her voice steady but subdued. However, the State prosecutor swiftly countered, indicating that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is not prepared to drop the charges, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the public interest in holding individuals accountable for gender-based violence.
The case stems from an alleged incident of assault involving Ndevu, a well-known figure in South Africa’s hip-hop scene. The couple’s highly publicised marital disputes have played out in the media, drawing significant public attention and scrutiny. While Chinsamy has now expressed a willingness to withdraw the complaint, the State has the authority to continue with the prosecution if it deems there is sufficient evidence to secure a conviction.
The magistrate adjourned the matter to allow for further legal arguments, with the State expected to file a formal response to the withdrawal request. Ndevu, who has maintained his innocence throughout, was not required to speak during the brief hearing. As the legal proceedings continue, the case highlights the complexities of domestic violence prosecutions, where the victim’s wishes and the State’s duty to uphold the law do not always align. For now, the gavel remains suspended, and the outcome hangs in the balance.
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