Tebogo Mashego’s Police Controversy Has Polarized South African Society

Singer Tebogo G Mashego, famous for his hit Biri Marung, has again become the centre of attention after a video of him being put into a police van went viral on 24 September 2025.

Initial speculation arose that the amapiano artist had been detained for defamation after posting incendiary remarks on social media, in which he accused DJ Maphorisa of owing him R23 million and hinted at a romantic relationship between MaWhoo and Scorpion Kings member.

Blogger Musa Khawula, known for controversy, furthered the allegations by drawing a connection between the incident and Mashego’s online outbursts.

New information has presented a contrasting view. CrimeWatch_RSA reported on X that Mashego was not arrested for defamation.

He allegedly exhibited “abnormal behavior” in public and became violent towards individuals without a clear motive.

Eyewitnesses allegedly contacted the authorities, and upon the officers’ arrival, it was necessary to physically restrain him as he put up a struggle.

Mashego has not been detained. Reports suggest that he engaged in unusual behaviour and was involved in physical altercations with people for no discernible reason; in order to maintain public safety, [police] were compelled to forcibly relocate him from the community as he was clearly resisting this action, according to the post. Information received indicates that he displayed an abnormal behaviour and allegedly acted violently, assaulting people without apparent cause… in the interest of public safety, [police] had to forcefully remove him from the community as he was visibly resisting,” the post stated.

[CLARIFICATION ON TEBOGO G. MASHEGO INCIDENT]

Tebogo G. Mashego has not been arrested. Information received indicates that he displayed an abnormal behaviour and allegedly acted violently, assaulting people without apparent cause. Laudium SAPS members were summoned to the scene… https://t.co/eirGaZ0Mwx

— Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (@CrimeWatch_RSA) September 24, 2025

Footage of Mashego’s confrontation with police sparked a heated debate on social media. Some people showed empathy for the beleaguered musician, implying that he may be grappling with more profound problems.

He feels betrayed and is angry with those who he had trusted. He was betrayed in front of the people he trusted most, and we are troubled by what he is saying rather than alarmed by what he is not saying.

Others, however, were less forgiving, with users such as @NtateWilliams wondering if violent behavior should be taken lightly.