Limpopo Boy, whose real name is Matome Robert Mahlatse Thoka, has broken his silence following the controversy surrounding Matshidiso Matilda Shai and a private video involving the two that was leaked online.
The controversy has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with Thoka facing significant public criticism over his involvement with Shai.
In a statement issued on 12 August 2026, Limpopo Boy apologised to those affected by the situation and insisted that he did not know Shai was married when the incident took place.
According to Thoka, he only discovered that she was married after the private video was leaked.
“I only discovered after the video was leaked that she was married.”
He acknowledged, however, that he should have taken steps to establish her marital status before becoming involved with her.
“I should have independently verified her marital status before sharing a private moment with her. Instead of doing that, I threw caution to the wind and I’m now paying the price for my poor judgement.”
Apology to the Shai family
Thoka said he was raised in a Christian family that respects the sanctity of marriage and rejects adultery and infidelity.
He specifically apologised to the Shai family, saying he regretted the pain caused by the situation.
“I want to apologise in particular to the Shai family for the tremendous pain I have put them through. That’s not how I was raised. I’m not a home wrecker.”
He also extended his apology to everyone who had been hurt, disappointed or distressed by the controversy.
Limpopo Boy said he did not want to make excuses or dismiss people’s feelings, acknowledging that his actions and the circumstances surrounding the controversy had consequences beyond himself.
“I’m not a saint”
The entertainer also addressed the expectations that come with being in the public eye.
He said the situation had affected not only him but also his family and the people who care about him, as well as members of the public who had followed his story and held him in high regard.
“I’m not a saint, I’m not perfect either.”
Thoka said he had chosen to respond with humility rather than defensiveness and wanted to use the experience as an opportunity to reflect on his actions.
“I cannot change what has already happened. What I can do is take this moment seriously, learn from it, and work towards becoming a better person.”
He also apologised to his own family and those who had stood by him during the controversy.
Says trust will take time to rebuild
Limpopo Boy acknowledged that simply issuing an apology would not immediately repair the damage caused by the controversy.
“I know that trust is not restored through statements. It is restored through time, accountability and actions.”
He said he was asking for an opportunity to learn from his mistakes and do better.
The statement ended with a Sepedi saying:
“Ntshwareleng! Sepedi sere ngwana a phosa dira ga a bolawe.”
The statement comes as the controversy involving Limpopo Boy and Matshidiso Matilda Shai continues to generate widespread reaction online.
While Thoka maintains that he was unaware of Shai’s marital status until after the video was leaked, he accepts responsibility for failing to establish the situation beforehand and says he regrets the consequences of his decision.
