South African rapper Mthembeni “Emtee” Ndevu is back in custody after his bail was revoked following an alleged breach of the conditions attached to his release in a case involving his estranged wife, Nicole Chinsamy.
Ndevu appeared briefly in the Midrand Magistrate’s Court on Monday in connection with allegations that he violated a protection order obtained by Chinsamy in 2023. The order prohibits him from verbally abusing her or harassing her on social media.
The Roll Up hitmaker was initially granted R1,000 bail on 11 June after spending a night in police custody. His bail conditions were strict: he was prohibited from communicating with Chinsamy and from posting or publishing anything about her, either directly or indirectly, on social media. He was also ordered to remove existing content relating to her.
According to reports, Ndevu allegedly breached those conditions by sending text messages to Chinsamy in which he referred to her using an offensive name. The alleged communication resulted in his bail being revoked and him being taken back into custody.
The latest development comes only days after Ndevu publicly apologised to his supporters and family, reflecting on the difficulties surrounding his personal life.
In the statement, he acknowledged that there had been moments when he could have demonstrated greater understanding, compassion and maturity. He also apologised to his children for having aspects of their family life become public.
“To my children, I am deeply sorry that they have had to witness aspects of our personal lives become public,” Ndevu said in the statement, adding that their wellbeing remained his priority.
The legal dispute between Ndevu and Chinsamy has been ongoing for several years. Ndevu filed for divorce in April 2023 and moved out of their shared home, but the pair later reconciled and went on to have their third child together.
Ndevu moved into his own flat again in February 2026. Despite reports suggesting that the divorce had been finalised, the divorce proceedings are still ongoing.
The couple have previously made competing allegations about their relationship publicly, with both sides disputing aspects of the other’s account. Their ongoing dispute has also played out on social media, which became particularly significant after the court imposed restrictions on Ndevu’s communication and online activity concerning Chinsamy.
Ndevu has also recently been linked romantically to singer Nandi Ndathane following his separation from Chinsamy.
As of publication, Ndevu’s manager, Hlubi Radebe, had not responded to requests for comment regarding the latest arrest. Chinsamy also declined to comment.
The latest court development means Emtee remains in custody while the legal proceedings continue. The allegations against him have not been proven in court.
