Sithelo denies being ‘bribed’ after not seeing child for nearly a year

Sithelo Shozi, the ex-girlfriend and baby mama of Andile Mpisane, has denied being “silenced with money” by his mother MaMkhize. This, after she claimed she had not seen her eldest daughter for nearly a year.

Last week, the KwaZulu-Natal DJ and influencer filed papers in the Johannesburg High Cort, accusing the mother-and-son duo of “unlawfully and unconstitutionally” abducting her child in March 2022.

But Sithelo – who shared Florence and Coco with the Royal AM chairman – has faced a barrage of abuse online from the public, who expressed their shock at the turn of events.

ALSO READ: Sithelo accuses Andile, MaMkhize AND Bheki Cele of kidnapping

SITHELO DENIES BEING BRIBED

In a 24-page affidavit, Sithelo Shozi accused Andile Mpisane and his mom MaMkhize of:

• Not returning three-year-old Florence after a visit
• Andile and MaMkhize relocated Florence from Durban to Johannesburg without her permission.
• Andile blocked her from visiting and communicating with Florence via the child’s nanny.
• Both she and her daughters were “forced” to undergo a DNA test to “prove” their relation.

But after being lamented by MaMkhize’s attorney for running a “media attention-seeking plan” and being bashed by the public for being “bribed,” Sithelo clapped back.

Sithelo has opened a case of kidnapping against Andile Mpisane and his mother for taking Baby Flo without her permission. She last saw her in March 2022.

Sithelo filed court papers at Jhb High Court last week against the father of her two kids, Andile #MDNnews pic.twitter.com/LHpCvDdwNc

— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) January 17, 2023

ALSO READ: ‘Attention-seeking’: MaMkhize claps back at kidnapping claims

Her attorney Tony Mathe told TimesLive: “It is important for us to clarify the nonsensical claims that our client was paid by somebody for her silence for the abduction of her daughter or otherwise. We confirm that it never happened.

“Our client is not acting punitively but legally in getting her daughter back and have her abductors answer to a court of law”.

He added: “Her child was abducted as defined by law, not by personal opinions. Further clarification of the abduction will be done in a court of law and not on social media and other platforms.”

Of criticism as to why Sithelo had waited almost a year to make her allegations public, her attorney responded: “The delays of 10 months were not her own doing, but it was a legal process of letter exchange, which we do not see having been necessary. This was before we came on record. 

“Sithelo has been fighting to get her child back since she was unlawfully taken from her in March.”

ALSO READ: Fearing for her life? Sithelo deletes socials amid child kidnap claims

TWITTER BACKLASH

Meanwhile, on Twitter, many tweeps were not buying Sithelo’s claims.

@sisi_wangempela: “She realized in 2023 that her child was kidnapped in 2022??”

@AphaneJ: “Over ten months to open a case of kidnapping? So she couldn’t drive her [Land Rover] Defender to the house to go get her daughter?”

@uThembisa: “She did so much throughout the year, and none of it seemed to suggest she was also fighting for her child.”

It’s not the first time tweeps have accused her of being on MaMkhize’s payroll. Last year, Sithelo was accused of having a “mommy makeover” in Turkey, courtesy of MaMkhize. This, after she seemingly went radio silent on a public petition against Andile Mpisane, whom she accused of “threatening to kill” her.

She finished the first cheque and she’s back for more, focused queen this one. pic.twitter.com/JiOwomyAav

— Sanele Dlamini (@TSanele26) January 17, 2023