Oluthando Keteyi|Published
On Thursday, October 22, the Thami Ndlala Foundation hosted a press briefing where businessman and foundation head Thami Ndlala broke his silence following his recent arrest at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.
The briefing took place just ahead of his interview on the popular podcast "Podcast and Chill with MacG".
Ndlala’s recent arrest stems from an ongoing legal battle with media personality Thandi Dora "Blue" Mbombo, which has generated significant media attention and social media discourse. Released on bail of R10,000 following his October 12 arrest, Ndlala faces charges of intimidation and extortion, with the criminal case postponed to November 20 for further investigation.
Ndlala denies allegations and flags legal irregularities
Speaking to the media, Ndlala strongly refuted all charges, calling the case a coordinated campaign to defame his character and derail legitimate law enforcement investigations.
He explained that he had returned to South Africa from an overseas business trip specifically to attend a protection order hearing involving Mbombo. Upon his arrival at court, he alleges he was unexpectedly taken into custody by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Ndlala and his legal team flagged critical irregularities in the warrant of arrest, asserting that while it cited an intimidation act, the specific section referenced is invalid and non-existent under current statutes.
Ndlala expressed frustration with the investigating officers, revealing that he had allegedly proactively offered full cooperation and a formal statement prior to his arrest, an offer officers, he alleges, declined, choosing instead to execute a warrant based on an uncorroborated statement.
While Mbombo alleges that Ndlala subjected her to months of death threats, verbal abuse, emotional torment, and threats against her child, Ndala maintains the allegations are completely fabricated.
He categorically rejected claims linking him to abusive, threatening, or extortionate behavior, dismissing the state's docket, which he alleges includes over 60 audio recordings, phone numbers, and text message screenshots, as tailored evidence. Ndlala noted that the voices on the recordings speak Sepedi and deep isiZulu, dialects he does not speak, and denied claims that he disguised his voice.
"The criminal matter brought against me is a pure fabrication," Ndlala stated.
Foundation announces R9 million legal defense pledge
During the briefing, the Thami Ndlala Foundation announced a R9 million pledge to SP Attorneys to provide free legal representation for marginalized individuals facing injustices or potentially unlawful arrests. Razeen Cassim of SP Attorneys confirmed the partnership and pledge.
When questioned by IOL whether the multi-million rand pledge was an attempt to "throw money at the situation" or buy goodwill amid heavy public scrutiny, Ndlala firmly rejected the characterization.
He explained that his time in holding cells, where he met a promising young man unable to afford legal assistance, forced him to reflect on how many South Africans suffer without access to justice.
"It is not a form of buying our way into anything; it is rather to extend assistance to people in need, people who get arrested for unjust reasons or ulterior motives," Ndlala explained. He reaffirmed his foundation's commitment to supporting genuine victims of gender-based violence (GBV) and helping curb the national crisis.
The foundation further pledged an additional R1million to support credible non-governmental organisations and community-based organisations working to combat gender-based violence and assist victims of injustice who cannot afford legal services.
Moving forward, Ndlala, who is also planning a four-day concert at Ndlala Mall this December, stated he will no longer deal directly with female beneficiaries seeking foundation support.
"I will be sure to step back from engaging directly with female counterparts to avoid such accusations... The team that we've established should actually be the ones hands-on. It's a sensitive subject and a sensitive gender, so I would rather step back while ensuring necessary support remains available," he added.
Ndlala demands police accountability
Ndlala voiced serious concern over the conduct of local police at Midrand SAPS and provincial leadership, alleging that individuals with provincial connections exercised political influence to rush his arrest without due process.
Expressing a complete lack of confidence in provincial law enforcement, Ndala called on National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and Gauteng leadership to intervene and subpoena the docket from Midrand SAPS to guarantee an uncompromised investigation.
Closing the briefing, Ndlala reflected on the personal toll the public vilification has taken on his family, particularly as a father raising two daughters. He emphasized that he had previously stepped in to protect Mbombo’s dignity when she faced hardship, making the current narrative especially painful.
The press conference and subsequent "Podcast and Chill" appearance have intensified public interest in Ndlala, drawing renewed scrutiny to his high-profile marriage with radio and TV presenter Lerato Kganyago as he prepares to fight the charges in court on November 20.
IOL