They tried to keep their relationship a secret but quickly made headlines when spotted at nightclubs and on holidays. Their love affair was confirmed after DJ Maphorisa, real name Sonnyboy Sekowe, was recently arrested and released on R4 000 bail for allegedly assaulting his actress and DJ girlfriend Thuli Phongolo. A week after he beat her, the couple released a joint statement declaring they have resolved their differences.

MATTERS RESOLVED

The couple released a joint statement stating that they have resolved their issues and asked that people refrain from making any more defamatory statements regarding the incident. "Being public figures, it is unavoidable that the public, media, and their respective commercial partners all have an interest in this matter," the statement reads. "The matter has received mixed public attention, causing a great deal of emotional stress on both parties involved. It is on this basis that the parties have elected to resolve this matter privately through their respective management and legal teams. Consequently, Phongolo has since withdrawn the charges laid against Sekowe." They continue to say they are aware of the concerns. "Both parties have noted with concern, the disparaging, defamatory, and (in some instances) untrue remarks, statements, and reports emanating from the incident and view these in a serious light. The parties reserve their rights to individually pursue legal action against people making defamatory and/or false statements in relation to this matter."

HIT AND STRANGLED HER

Last week police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said the case of common assault was reported at Sandton police. "It is alleged that the suspect assaulted the victim at an apartment in Sandton on Sunday," he said after Phongolo opened the case. DJ Maphorisa received bail from the Randburg Magistrate's Court after spending a night behind bars. Magistrate Clement Mukhodobwane said the bail was on condition that Maphorisa does not have direct or indirect communication with the complainant. It emerged in court on Monday that she had since filed a withdrawal statement. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said Phongolo agreed that Maphorisa be granted bail. Maphorisa is reported to have "hit her with open hands and strangled her " after she confronted him about an incident that happened the previous night where he was booked to perform".