Makgotso “Gogo Maweni” Mofokeng, a prominent South African sangoma and reality TV star, is at the center of a legal storm involving a charge of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH). The allegations stem from a five-year-old incident in which Mofokeng is accused of hitting a woman in the face with a bottle.
ALSO READ: ‘Pregnant’ Gogo Maweni Awaits Trial Amid Assault Charges from 2019 Incident
Court Appearance and Bail Hearing
Gogo Maweni appeared in the Protea Magistrate’s Court in Soweto on Monday, 22 January 2025. She was arrested the day prior during a joint operation by the Gauteng cold case unit and the counter-intelligence investigation office.
The alleged incident occurred in December 2019 in Moroka, Soweto. According to the charge sheet, Mofokeng assaulted the victim during a heated altercation.
Mofokeng, who claims to be in her first trimester of pregnancy with twins, remains in custody pending a formal bail application scheduled for 27 January 2025.
Media Controversy in Court
Before the court proceedings began, Mofokeng’s lawyer, Marcia Makuse, opposed a media application to televise and photograph the case. Makuse argued that allowing media coverage would jeopardize her client’s right to a fair trial and negatively impact her public image and career.
“She is a mother of four young children whose lives could be disrupted by this media attention,” Makuse stated. She also stressed that the accusations remain allegations until proven in court.
However, prosecutor Tsakane Tsautse argued that the matter was already in the public domain and emphasized that Mofokeng’s arrest was not speculative. Magistrate R Khiye ultimately ruled in favor of the media, granting permission to televise, record, and photograph the proceedings.
The State’s Opposition to Bail
The State has made it clear that it will oppose Mofokeng’s bail application, citing the serious nature of the charges. Additionally, the prosecutor revealed that Mofokeng had a prior assault case dating back to 2017. Although her lawyer pointed out that the previous case was withdrawn, this information may still influence the court’s decision regarding bail.
Gogo Maweni’s Online Feuds Add Fuel to the Fire
This legal drama comes on the heels of a recent public feud between Mofokeng and fellow sangoma Patricia “Gogo Skhotheni” Motsoeneng. The two reality TV stars have traded accusations online, with Mofokeng alleging that Motsoeneng’s husband propositioned an influencer.
While unrelated to the current legal proceedings, this feud has kept Mofokeng in the spotlight, adding to the public’s fascination with her life and career.
A Career at Stake
Mofokeng’s reputation as a celebrated sangoma and reality TV personality hangs in the balance as the legal battle unfolds. Known for her dynamic personality and outspoken nature, she has a significant following in South Africa.
Her lawyer has expressed concern that the assault allegations could harm her professional standing and career prospects, especially with her pregnancy being a complicating factor.
What’s Next?
The Protea Magistrate’s court has postponed the case until 27 January, allowing the State to gather bail statements and compile a profile on Mofokeng. Until then, she remains in custody.
The outcome of the bail hearing will determine whether Gogo Maweni can await trial out of custody or remain behind bars as the case proceeds.
As the drama unfolds both in and out of court, the public continues to watch closely, captivated by the high-profile nature of the case and the personalities involved.
