Makhadzi Breaks Downs, Sobs In Botswana Court Over Fraud Allegation
South African musician Makhadzi, broke down when she appeared before a Botswana Magistrates Court on fraud on Wednesday morning.
The Limpopo-born star appeared emotional as her case was called. She was facing a claim brought by Botswana promoter Gilbert “PP” Seagile of Gilbert Promotions.
The dispute stems from a One Woman Show that was scheduled for 12 September 2026. Promoter Gilbert Seagile claims he booked Makhadzi for the show and suffered financial losses and reputational damage when she did not show up. He is pursuing P500,000 in damages.
Seagile obtained an urgent ex parte court order barring Makhadzi from leaving Botswana. Following the order, her passport was seized and held by the deputy sheriff, leaving her stuck in Gaborone at a hotel while awaiting her court date.
According to court papers and interviews, there was no formal signed contract. Seagile himself acknowledged this, stating: “We didn’t sign a contract but there is a conversation that acknowledges and endorses the show.” He said he used her promotional material to advertise the event.
Makhadzi, through her lawyer Bakotelo Mmipi of Bakotelo Mmipi Attorneys, disputes that any binding agreement existed. Her legal team argues that she was only approached with a proposal for a partnership and had requested that any arrangement be put in writing and discussed at a meeting in Johannesburg. They also allege that her images were used without consent.
Her lawyer said the ex parte order was obtained without notice to Makhadzi and included provisions for her passport to be surrendered and for imprisonment. He said they had proposed that her vehicle be taken as security instead of her passport.
While stranded, Makhadzi went live on social media, saying she had been harassed and effectively kidnapped and was unable to return to South Africa for work commitments.
On Wednesday morning, 4 November 2026, Makhadzi appeared before the Magistrates Court as the matter, which includes allegations of fraud related to the disputed booking, was set to be heard.
However, before the matter could proceed to a full trial, the two parties indicated that they had reached an agreement to settle the matter outside court.
The court allowed her to go back home. Upon hearing that she was free to return to South Africa, Makhadzi broke down in tears.
The emotional moment marked the end of days of being stuck in Botswana, where she has been since the order was issued.
The full terms of the out-of-court settlement have not yet been made public, but it is expected to include the release of her passport and withdrawal of the order preventing her from leaving the country.
This is not the first time Makhadzi has faced legal trouble in Botswana. In December 2022, she was involved in a similar standoff after a performance in Moshupa when promoters obtained a court order for P713,000 over a missed show in Maun.
The Wednesday settlement now paves the way for the award-winning “Ma Gear” hitmaker to return home.