Thandeka Mhlanga withdraws case and admits allegations damaged actor’s reputation
South African actress and media personality Thandeka Mhlanga, popularly known as Shanice, has publicly apologised to actor Sipho Ndlovu after admitting that she made false domestic violence allegations against him in 2024.
Mhlanga confirmed that she had withdrawn the gender-based violence (GBV) case and acknowledged that her accusations against the former The Wife actor caused serious harm to his reputation and public image.
“I’ve damaged his reputation. I’ve chosen to withdraw the case because I’ve caused irreparable damage to his name and his image,” she said in a video statement.
The apology brings an end to a legal dispute that attracted significant attention from the South African entertainment industry and social media users.
Mhlanga said her actions were made in what she described as “the heat of the moment” after struggling to accept the end of her relationship with Ndlovu.
“I would like to apologise for opening a case against him. It was the heat of the moment,” she said.
She added that she regretted accusing Ndlovu and apologised to his supporters and fans for the impact the allegations had on his career and reputation.
“I was upset with the way the relationship had ended, and I sincerely apologise to all his fans and supporters for falsely accusing him. I hope that we can find a way to put the past behind us and move forward,” she said.
Mhlanga also admitted that she should not have gone to Ndlovu’s home after their relationship had already ended.
“I knew on the day that I had gone to his house I should not have gone because the relationship had already ended,” she said.
She extended her apology to Ndlovu’s friends and people who may have lost professional opportunities because of the accusations.
The dispute began in 2024 when Mhlanga accused Ndlovu of physically assaulting her after she visited his home following their breakup. Ndlovu denied the allegations and maintained that he was innocent.
The actor claimed that Mhlanga entered his property by climbing over a wall and alleged that she assaulted him after discovering him with another woman. He later opened counter-charges at Douglasdale Police Station.
The case sparked widespread debate about domestic violence, accountability and the consequences of false accusations. While many people initially supported Mhlanga, Ndlovu continued to maintain that he would clear his name through the legal system.
Following Mhlanga’s withdrawal of the case and public apology, the dispute appears to have reached its conclusion.
The matter has also renewed conversations around the importance of addressing genuine gender-based violence cases while recognising the damage caused by false allegations.
