Somizi Mhlongo Hits Back at Media Over ‘Completely False’ Salary and Asset Seizure Claims

The media personality says reports linking him to a company accused of unpaid salaries are misleading and unverified calling for greater accuracy in South African entertainment journalism.

Media personality Somizi Mhlongo has publicly denied recent reports that he and his business partner are being pursued by law enforcement over unpaid salaries, calling the allegations “completely false and misleading.”

The controversy began after Sunday World published a report claiming that a sheriff of the court was “on the hunt” for Mhlongo and his alleged business partner, Lindo Maleho, in connection with salary payments owed by their cleaning services company, Search Light (Pty) Ltd.

According to the publication, court documents supposedly authorized the sheriff to attach and sell the company’s movable assets through a public auction to recover a debt amounting to R165,402.62, plus accrued interest. The article also alleged that attempts to locate the pair at a Sandton office had failed and that the premises were found empty during multiple visits.

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The report quoted Hotellica Union representative Thabiso Putswe, who said the union was seeking alternative methods to recover the outstanding funds. “We are now exploring other avenues to seize their assets as per the enforcement order,” Putswe was quoted as saying. “And we know they may still have an office at the Carlton Centre, where we believe there could be attachable assets.”

The claims quickly spread online, sparking widespread speculation and renewed public interest in Mhlongo’s business dealings. However, the entertainer wasted no time issuing a firm denial, taking to Instagram on Monday to clarify his position.

In a detailed statement shared with his nearly 5 million followers, Mhlongo wrote:

Omega Tv UK celebrates ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY, we wish to thank all our viewers for helping us reach this milestone.

Happy 1st anniversary to Omega TV UK!.

“I would like to clearly state that the company referred to in the article does not belong to me, has never been registered under my name, and I have no association with it whatsoever. The claims made are completely false and misleading.”

He went on to express frustration over the impact of false media reports, emphasizing the responsibility of journalists and editors to ensure accuracy before publication.

“It is deeply concerning that such misinformation is published without proper verification, as it has the potential to harm reputations and mislead the public,” he added. “I urge media outlets to uphold the principles of accuracy and accountability when reporting.”

Mhlongo’s response comes amid growing scrutiny of how South African tabloids and entertainment outlets handle celebrity-related financial claims. The Sunday World article, while widely shared, has since been met with skepticism from fans and media analysts, with many calling for stronger ethical guidelines around verifying public figures’ alleged business ties.

Industry insiders note that this isn’t the first time Mhlongo’s name has been linked to disputed business activities. Over the years, the Idols SA judge and TV personality has faced periodic rumors involving tax, contracts, or alleged debts many of which he has publicly refuted. The entertainer, who has built one of South Africa’s most prominent careers in television, radio, and fashion has consistently maintained that his reputation and professional integrity remain intact.

While Mhlongo did not disclose whether he intends to pursue legal action against Sunday World, his statement suggests that he views the publication’s report as not only inaccurate but also damaging to his image. Legal experts have pointed out that, if proven false, such claims could constitute grounds for defamation proceedings, particularly when financial misconduct is alleged without evidence of direct involvement.

The Sunday World has not yet issued a correction or retraction regarding the story. As of Wednesday afternoon, the article remained live on its website, continuing to draw attention across social media.

For now, Mhlongo appears focused on reclaiming the narrative. His post received an outpouring of support from fans and fellow celebrities, many of whom echoed his calls for fair reporting and responsible journalism.

The star concluded his statement with an appeal for discernment, reminding followers not to believe everything they read.

“It’s easy for misinformation to spread, but truth always finds its way through,” he wrote. “I stand by that.”

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